Australia

Preston Market redevelopment plans revealed: eight towers, 900 apartments, market footprint cut by 20 per cent

A master plan for the Preston Market redevelopment has been released, showing private owners want to reduce the market's footprint by nearly 20 per cent to build about 900 apartments across eight towers. The proposal, which requires approval from Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny, would demolish the south block and an adjoining Aldi, while increasing total market floor space and protecting heritage elements.

NSW police seize drugs, guns and Queensland Police uniforms in cross-border raid

New South Wales police have arrested four people and seized a kilogram of cocaine, three kilograms of methylamphetamine, six guns and Queensland Police uniforms in a raid near the Queensland border, sparking concerns about potential impersonation of officers.

Extortion case collapses against Bandidos boss Joel Leavitt, exposing gaps in building industry laws

A high-profile extortion case against the Melbourne boss of the Bandidos outlaw bikie gang and former CFMEU Big Build official has collapsed, with Victoria's Office of Public Prosecutions withdrawing a blackmail charge this week. The development is a major setback for authorities seeking to clean up Victoria's building sector and is set to be referred to the royal commission into the industry.

1 Oct·2 min·3 sources

Carlton man accused of being IS propagandist supplied by fugitive Queensland doctor, court told

A 65-year-old Carlton man charged as a key propagandist for Islamic State was supplied with extremist material by a radicalised Queensland doctor who fled to Syria in 2016, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday. Mohamed Musse Bakit is accused of sending thousands of violent propaganda files to other extremists, some in Queensland, during a five-year period.

1 Oct·2 min·3 sources

Burns accuses new Greens leader Shoebridge of prejudice against Jewish Australians

Labor MP Josh Burns has accused newly elected Greens leader David Shoebridge of being prejudiced against Jewish Australians, saying the NSW senator divides Jews into 'good and bad' categories based on their position on Israel's war in Gaza.

Hanson-Young speaks out on Greens divisions after leadership ballot

Sarah Hanson-Young has broken her silence on internal divisions within the Greens party, describing politics as "brutal" after finishing third in the party's leadership ballot. Greens sources confirm the relationship between new leader David Shoebridge and runner-up Mehreen Faruqi is seriously strained.

Perth median dwelling price dips below $1 million, but rising rates blunt buyer relief

Perth’s median dwelling price has fallen below the million-dollar mark for the first time in months, slipping to $975,000, but property experts and new data indicate that the downturn is doing little to ease the burden on everyday buyers as interest rates climb to a 15-year high.

1 Oct·3 min

Hawthorn's opening offer for Zach Merrett rejected by Essendon

Hawthorn's initial bid to secure Essendon star Zach Merrett has been rejected, with the Bombers indicating the offer of draft picks 15 and 25 plus a future selection is insufficient, according to multiple industry sources.

1 Oct·1 min

Gold Coast man charged with displaying Nazi symbols online

A 49-year-old Gold Coast man has been charged with displaying Nazi symbols online, following an Australian Federal Police investigation that began in June. Police searched his home in Mudgeeraba on Wednesday, seizing a mobile phone, and the man is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on November 16.

1 Oct·1 min

Greens leadership in flux after Larissa Waters resigns, party gathers for Sydney retreat

Larissa Waters has resigned as leader of the Australian Greens, triggering a leadership contest that has transformed a scheduled two-day strategy retreat in Sydney into a high-stakes internal election. The surprise resignation was announced on Monday, ahead of a closed-door meeting of federal MPs originally intended to focus on policy and strategy.

Roosters wait on concussion verdict for Connor Watson ahead of NRL grand final

Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson will know by Friday whether an independent concussion consultant will allow him to play in Sunday's NRL grand final against Newcastle, after suffering a concussion just one minute into last Friday's preliminary final against the Dolphins.

'Devastating' root rot fungus detected in Australian crops for first time

An exotic soil-borne fungus capable of quickly devastating crops has been detected in Australia for the first time, in cucumber, honeydew and rock melon plants across two Northern Territory regions.

1 Oct·2 min

Funding cut to remote bus service could leave Aboriginal residents stranded in Alice Springs

Aboriginal people in remote Central Australian communities could be left stranded in Alice Springs and forced into overcrowded housing unless the Northern Territory Government reinstates funding for the Centre Bush Bus, local organisations have warned.

1 Oct·2 min

ATO to stop accepting credit card payments after November 30, warns of cash flow impact

The Australian Taxation Office will cease accepting credit card payments for tax debts from November 30, a move it acknowledges could make cash flow management more difficult for businesses.

1 Oct·1 min

Australian woman dies in Vietnam after cosmetic surgery, reports say

An Australian woman has died in Vietnam from complications following cosmetic surgery, according to Vietnamese media reports. The 65-year-old underwent a breast lift and implants at City International Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on September 4, and returned four days later for liposuction and a tummy tuck. She died on September 22 after developing a perforated colon and severe abdominal infection.

Essendon's bid for Cochrane clears path for Carlton to land father-son star Walker

Carlton's bid to secure gun father-son prospect Cody Walker has received a significant boost, with bitter rivals Essendon set to bid on Dougie Cochrane with the first pick in this year's AFL national draft, a move that will trigger compensation and allow the Blues to more easily match a later bid on Walker.

Crisafulli Stands Firm Against Coalition's Nuclear Push for AI Data Centres

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has doubled down on the state's refusal to power artificial intelligence data centres with nuclear energy, distancing himself from the federal Coalition's push to lift Australia's ban on the energy source. The Premier secured an exemption from the Albanese government's renewable-only plan in August to allow coal and gas for data centres, but has stopped short of extending support to nuclear.

Nine Australians die of breast cancer daily, yet public underestimates toll, survey finds

A new survey funded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) has found most Australians underestimate the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the likelihood of recurrence and the daily death toll, despite nine Australians dying from the disease every day. The findings were released as part of the foundation's Unfinished Stories campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and feature the story of a 33-year-old Sydney mother diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2025.

Wharfie Time office chat leaves a colleague distressed

A routine office conversation about the AFL Grand Final has drawn attention in a workplace advice column, after a worker's innocent question about the meaning of 'Wharfie Time' caused a nearby colleague to become deeply upset.

Land Forces Expo opens in Perth amid police 'fort' and activist bans

The Land Forces Expo opened in Perth on Monday amid a heavy police security cordon that activists have labelled draconian, with six people known to have been banned from entering the zone after the state government granted police special powers to stop and search, remove face coverings and confiscate items including speakers, microphones and bottles.

1 Oct·2 min·5 sources

Housemate testifies she did not know surfboard bags contained bodies, court hears in Lamarre-Condon trial

In the ongoing murder trial of Beau Lamarre-Condon, a court has heard that Jesse Baird's housemate took a photo of surfboard bags oozing red liquid on the night of the alleged murders, believing it to be furniture rust, unaware the bags contained the bodies of Baird and his partner Luke Davies.

NSW Planning Commission Approves Largest Coal Mine in State's History, Drawing Sharp Criticism

The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved a 19-year extension of the Hunter Valley Operations coal mine, the largest coal mine in the state's history. The commission acknowledged the project will materially worsen global warming, a decision that has drawn fierce condemnation from environmental advocates.

Flood Watch Issued for Most of Victoria as Severe Weather System Dumps Heavy Rain

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for most of Victoria as a severe weather system continues to drench the state, with falls of up to 90mm expected in some areas. The warning covers the north-east, central, south-west, north-west, and parts of Gippsland, prompting alerts of transport delays and disruptions.

Victorian Hospital Staff Launch Strike Over Pay and Conditions

Doctors and allied health professionals at Victoria's public hospitals have walked off the job today, as year-long bargaining processes with the government over pay and conditions remain at a standstill. Doctors are undertaking a four-hour work stoppage from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, while allied health professionals will strike for a full 24 hours. Hospital emergency departments and high-dependency units have been exempted to protect patient safety.

Lindian Resources switches on grid power at Malawi rare earths project

Lindian Resources has energised its Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi, connecting to grid power via a new 27-kilometre line two weeks ahead of schedule and roughly 20 per cent under budget. The milestone secures a fundamental requirement for the project's stage one processing plant, with commissioning planned for late November.

Lions coach Chris Fagan retires days after leading Brisbane to third straight AFL premiership

Chris Fagan has retired as coach of the Brisbane Lions, days after guiding the club to a third consecutive AFL premiership. The 65-year-old told players and staff of his decision on Thursday afternoon, ahead of the club's best and fairest night, despite having one year remaining on his contract.

Veteran NSW Labor MP Hugh McDermott to Retire as Party Pushes for More Female MPs

Veteran New South Wales Labor MP Hugh McDermott has announced he will not contest the 2027 state election, becoming the first male backbencher to leave parliament as Labor headquarters considers pressuring male MPs to retire to boost female representation.

Tensions run high at Perth council meeting over former CEO's sacking

Tensions within the City of Perth council over the dismissal of former chief executive Michelle Reynolds spilled into public view at a meeting on Wednesday night, with Councillor Catherine Lezer leaving the chamber after a question about her contact with Reynolds.

Brisbane and Sydney hit hardest as Australian house prices fall 5.2% from peak

Housing prices are falling in almost every suburb of Australia's largest cities, with Brisbane declining faster than Sydney as the downturn intensifies. National values have dropped 5.2% from their March peak, according to Cotality data released Thursday, as higher interest rates reduce borrowing capacity.

Three experts appointed to lead SA's Royal Commission into AI

South Australia's Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence has begun work, with former federal court judge Dr Iain Ross AO appointed to lead the inquiry alongside two other experts, as the state government responds to the rapid pace of AI-driven change in the workforce.

RBA Downplays Housing Stress Risks, Flags AI Bubble as Key Financial Threat

Despite Australia's housing downturn being potentially the worst in decades, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has used its latest half-yearly Financial Stability Review to argue that the main financial stability threats come from overseas. Released two days after the bank raised the cash rate to a 15-year high of 4.6 per cent, the review indicates that most mortgage borrowers remain well-placed to weather higher rates, with less than 2 per cent facing a cash flow shortfall. The RBA's primary concern is the risk from global conflicts, technological disruption — particularly the AI investment boom — and climate-related severe weather.

Businesses in remote WA fear visa changes will worsen staffing shortages

Businesses across northern Western Australia say recent changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa program will make it harder to attract backpackers to remote regions, where they fill essential roles in hospitality, agriculture and retail.

CBA commits to keeping regional branches and cash access until 2030

Commonwealth Bank has announced it will extend its regional banking moratorium by three years, committing to keep hundreds of country branches open until at least December 2030, and pledged to maintain widespread access to cash despite a sharp drop in usage.

1 Oct·2 min·3 sources

Job uncertainty at SA tissue mill after takeover, union calls for government support

The national timber union is calling for greater government support for local manufacturing amid fears of job cuts at the Millicent tissue mill, one of Australia's largest toilet roll producers, following its takeover by international hygiene company Arbex earlier this year.

Microsoft, Singtel, Netflix among major firms paying little to no Australian tax: ATO

Microsoft's datacentre business, Optus parent Singtel, and Netflix are among a string of major corporations generating billions of dollars in revenue in Australia while paying zero or minimal income tax, according to the Australian Taxation Office's corporate tax transparency database.

RBA warns AI investment debt cycle 'opaque and circular' as home buyers edge into negative equity

The Reserve Bank has warned that threats to global financial stability are mounting, driven in part by an increasingly debt-fuelled and opaque AI investment boom, while revealing that fewer than one in 100 Australian home borrowers are in negative equity – a figure that may rise as high inflation and falling property prices squeeze recent buyers.

1 Oct·2 min·6 sources

McEvoy eyes another big Randwick card after hot start to season

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy heads into Saturday's Randwick meeting with a strong book of rides, including Bangkok Hottie in the group 1 Flight Stakes, after winning feature races on the past four Saturdays in Sydney. He also has the ride on Headwall in the $20 million Everest as he continues a red-hot start to the season.

Teen charged after machete incident at Perth shops

A 17-year-old has been charged after allegedly charging at a man with a machete outside a Perth shopping centre, the latest incident to fuel resident calls for government action over anti-social behaviour in a local public housing area.

Tamika Upton chases sixth NRLW premiership as Brisbane Broncos meet Sydney Roosters

Tamika Upton has insisted she still has more to achieve in what is already the most decorated career in women's rugby league, as she prepares to lead the Brisbane Broncos into Sunday's NRLW grand final against the Sydney Roosters with an unprecedented sixth premiership on the line.

Army veteran and Afghan refugee turn shared grief into art exhibition

A former Australian soldier who served two tours in Afghanistan and an Afghan refugee who fled Kabul after the Taliban returned to power have forged an unlikely friendship through art. Their collaboration, Sparks in the Dark, is now showing at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, featuring handkerchiefs embroidered by women still living in Afghanistan.

AFL free agency opens Friday with Ben King, Zak Butters headlining trade period

AFL free agency officially opens on Friday, with restricted free agents Ben King and Zak Butters at the centre of heavyweight deal speculation, while dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene headline the unrestricted market.

Jason Donovan to play Randle McMurphy in Melbourne's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Jason Donovan will take on the role of Randle McMurphy in an upcoming Melbourne stage production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, a part he describes as “a monster” and one that carries deep personal resonance after the death of his father, actor Terence Donovan, in July.

Cameron Green suffers abdominal injury blow ahead of South Africa Test series

Cameron Green's preparation for the Test series against South Africa has been thrown into doubt after the all-rounder appeared to suffer an abdominal injury while batting in the final one-day international against the Proteas.

1 Oct·2 min·6 sources

Northern quoll may be locally extinct in Litchfield National Park, researcher says

A University of Melbourne researcher has spent nearly a year scouring Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory for northern quolls without a single sighting, and now believes the endangered marsupial may be locally extinct in the region.

1 Oct·2 min

Cost of living brewing shift back to home coffee, Nestlé says

Nestlé says Australia's coffee culture is shifting back to the kitchen as cost-of-living pressures push households toward cheaper instant options, with the company's Gympie plant producing about 20 million cups a day.

Two men charged over Geraldton shooting as victim released from hospital

Police have charged two men over a shooting that left a man with a bullet wound to his leg in WA's Midwest, with the victim since released from hospital.

Two men charged over Geraldton shooting that sparked manhunt

Two men have been charged over a shooting in Western Australia's Mid West that left a Geraldton man in hospital and sparked a manhunt. Five people were arrested after the victim was found with a leg wound in Moonyoonooka early on Wednesday.

Queensland youth detention workers reach in-principle pay deal after months of dispute

Queensland youth detention workers have reached an in-principle pay agreement with the state government after months of dispute that included strikes and workplace bans over dangerous conditions and overcrowding. The Australian Workers' Union announced the deal on Wednesday evening, and Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber confirmed it was struck with three unions.