Australia

Maurice Blackburn's Qantas Lawsuit Drags On as Sacked Workers Seek Justice

A class action lawsuit by law firm Maurice Blackburn against Qantas for millions of dollars over the sacking of thousands of workers during the pandemic continues to grind through the courts, with a new report highlighting the prolonged ordeal for former employees. The case, which alleges the airline illegally outsourced ground handling and catering jobs in 2020, has yet to reach a final resolution, leaving workers in a state of uncertainty.

Murder Charge Laid in St James After Alleged Days-Long Domestic Violence Assault

Western Australian police have laid a murder charge against a man following an alleged days-long domestic violence assault in the Perth suburb of St James, with authorities describing the incident as a sustained and brutal attack that ultimately resulted in the victim's death.

Queensland man accused of public sex act in Bali to be deported

A Queensland man arrested in Bali over an alleged public sex act is expected to be deported back to Australia today, according to reports from multiple Australian news outlets. The incident has drawn attention to Indonesia's strict moral laws, which can carry severe penalties for foreigners.

Coogee Beach rapist sues WA prison over 'inhumane conditions'

Fernando Octavio Salas-Collard, the man convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in the toilets at Coogee Beach in Western Australia, has launched a lawsuit alleging that conditions in the state's prison system are 'inhumane.' The case adds to a rising tide of legal challenges from prisoners claiming that overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation violate their human rights.

Inside the high-security kitchen feeding Melbourne's airline passengers

A sprawling, high-security kitchen the size of a city block near Melbourne Airport operates around the clock, employing more than 1,200 staff – from chefs and cleaners to packers – to produce thousands of airline meals every day, offering a rare glimpse into the complex logistics of inflight catering.

Two Men Face Court After Allegedly Shooting at Police Helicopter During Sunshine Coast Chase

Two men are due to appear in court today following a dramatic car chase on the Sunshine Coast, during which police vehicles and a helicopter were allegedly fired upon, raising serious concerns about violent escalation in pursuit incidents.

28 Aug 2026

Australia moves to close loophole that allowed dangerous e-bikes onto roads

The federal government has announced plans for a national safety standard for e-bikes, seeking to close a regulatory loophole that has allowed dangerously overpowered electric vehicles to be legally imported and used on public roads, contributing to a surge in serious injuries and deaths, particularly among young men.

Northern Territory becomes final Australian jurisdiction to legalise voluntary assisted dying

The Northern Territory parliament on Thursday passed legislation to legalise voluntary assisted dying, making it the last Australian jurisdiction to do so. The bill, approved via a conscience vote with all but one member voting in favour (one abstained), will allow eligible Territorians to access assisted dying from early 2028, ending a decades-long battle that began when the NT originally enacted the world's first such law in the mid-1990s, only to have it overridden by the federal government nine months later.

NDIS Reforms: New Eligibility Rules and Timeline for Reassessments Unveiled

The Australian government has passed landmark reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), legislating stricter eligibility criteria that will shift assessments from a person's diagnosis to their functional capacity. The changes, expected to remove 160,000 participants from the scheme and save A$37.8 billion over four years, will not take effect until January 2028, with many critical details—including the precise assessment tools and thresholds—still being developed by a newly established technical advisory group due to report by March 2027.

Queensland Mother Gives Birth to Genetically Unrelated Twins in Australian First

A Queensland mother has reportedly given birth to twins who are not genetically related to each other, in what is believed to be a first for Australia. The rare phenomenon, known as heteropaternal superfecundation, occurs when two eggs are fertilised by sperm from different men during the same menstrual cycle, resulting in siblings who share a womb but not both parents.

Ultimate passenger guide reveals which planes offer the widest seats and best ways to beat jet lag

Fiona Carruthers has published the ultimate passenger guide, answering three critical questions for air travellers: which aircraft give the widest seat, how to reduce jet lag, and which plane flies the longest route. The guide, revealed across Brisbane Times, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, aims to help passengers make informed choices before booking their next flight.

Wallabies scrum faces acid test against Argentina, sources say

Multiple Australian news outlets report that the Wallabies' scrum, which has shown significant improvement in recent matches, will face its toughest challenge yet against Argentina, drawing comparisons to the dominant pack of the 1984 Grand Slam tour.

Rise of 'egg timer' fertility tests prompts warnings from doctors

More Australian women are seeking out the so-called 'egg timer' fertility test, but doctors warn the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) test is being marketed misleadingly and cannot determine a woman's actual chances of conceiving.

EnergyAustralia locks in 2028 closure for Yallourn coal mine as wind-down begins

EnergyAustralia has confirmed it will begin winding down the open-cut mine that supplies its Yallourn coal-fired power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, locking in the plant’s planned exit in 2028. The move, announced on Thursday, signals the start of a multi-year process to decommission the mine, with the coal unit expected to cease operations by the end of the decade as part of the company’s transition away from fossil fuels.

‘Lots of my friends are missing’: Australia’s Nepali diaspora in anguish as deadly floods hit Nepal

A catastrophic flash flood that swept through villages in Nepal’s central region on Thursday has left hundreds dead or missing, triggering desperate searches among Australia’s large Nepali diaspora for friends and family. Suman Shrestha, a Sydney resident who moved from Kathmandu in 2017, described the scene as ‘awful’ after seeing video of a thick, muddy wall of water smashing into towns. ‘Lots of my friends are missing,’ he said, voicing the fear gripping the community as they await news.

Munster Voices Displeasure Over Proposed NRL Kick-Off Rule Change

Melbourne Storm and Queensland Maroons star Cameron Munster has publicly stated he is 'not a fan' of the proposed change to the NRL kick-off, which is currently being trialled. The rule change, aimed at reducing concussions by limiting high-speed collisions, has divided opinion among players and coaches ahead of a potential permanent adoption.

Autumn Glow Crowned Australia’s Best Racehorse in Arrowfield Stud Triumph

Autumn Glow, the standout winner of the Golden Eagle, has been named Australia’s best racehorse at the annual Australian Racehorse of the Year awards, marking a historic night for Arrowfield Stud.

Death in Custody Investigation Launched After Police Pursuit Near Darwin

Northern Territory Police have declared a death in custody investigation after a 43-year-old man died following a confrontation with officers during a police pursuit in rural Darwin. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has triggered a mandatory probe overseen by the NT Police Professional Standards Command, with the matter also to be referred to the coroner.

NT Parliament Passes Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill with Controversial Gag Clause Intact

The Northern Territory parliament has passed the Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill in a late-night conscience vote, making voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legal nationwide for the first time in nearly three decades — but the legislation includes a controversial gag clause that prevents doctors from raising end-of-life options with patients unless asked directly.

27 Aug 2026· 4 sources

Cleary faces biggest club challenge yet on Friday night after Origin triumph

Fresh off a man-of-the-match performance in State of Origin seven weeks ago, Nathan Cleary is preparing for what his camp is calling the greatest challenge of his club career when the Penrith Panthers take the field on Friday night.

WA Premier’s Criticism of Productivity Commission Draws Fire Over Public Debate

Western Australian Premier has come under fire for his recent attacks on the Productivity Commission, with an editorial in The Australian Financial Review arguing that his rhetoric diminishes the quality of public debate by pandering to parochialism rather than engaging with the substance of the commission’s recommendations.

Dress Code Loophole Revealed, But Offender Still ‘Collared’

A dress code loophole has been exposed in Australia, but the person who allegedly exploited it was still caught — or ‘collared’ — according to near‑identical reports from the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Brisbane Times. The brief, cryptic coverage offers no further details, sparking speculation about which institution or event is involved and whether the revelation will lead to policy changes.

Mam Scoops Intercept, Runs 70 Metres to Score in NRL Thriller

Brisbane Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam intercepted a Cameron Munster pass and sprinted 70 metres to score a try in their NRL clash against the Melbourne Storm, producing a moment that has become an instant highlight of the season.

Police Shot At During Hours-Long Crime Spree on Sunshine Coast

Police on the Sunshine Coast came under fire during an extended crime spree early Thursday morning, which began with the theft of a dozen firearms from a residence, according to authorities.

PM Albanese Faces Robust Criticism Over Green Energy and Migration at Regional Summit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was confronted by regional leaders over his government's green energy rollout and migration strategy at a summit in regional New South Wales on Wednesday, with attendees expressing mounting frustration over the pace of change and its impact on local communities.

Geelong Cats Fined for Concussion Waiver Breach, Sparking Ethical Debate

The Geelong Cats have been handed a significant fine by the AFL after admitting they failed to lodge a required concussion waiver for a player, an oversight that has ignited a broader ethical discussion about player welfare and club responsibility in Australia's premier football competition.

Albanese guarantees no cut to refugee intake, overrules minister's planned reduction

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has intervened to guarantee that Australia's annual refugee intake will not be cut next financial year, shutting down plans by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to reduce the quota by one-third to 13,750. The move comes amid anger from Labor MPs and refugee advocates, and follows reports that the government was considering a sharp reduction in the humanitarian program as part of its response to migration pressures.

27 Aug 2026· 2 sources

Albanese Abandons Plan to Reduce Refugee Intake, Overriding Immigration Minister

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has scrapped a plan to reduce Australia's refugee intake, overriding his Immigration Minister Tony Burke and potentially jeopardising the government's target to cut net overseas migration to 225,000 per year by 2027-28, as set in the May budget.

Queensland Admits New ‘Breach Bail, Go to Jail’ Law for Children as Young as 10 Breaches Human Rights

The Queensland government has conceded that its new ‘breach bail, go to jail’ laws, which impose a mandatory 12-month jail sentence on some offenders as young as 10, violate human rights and risk exacerbating overcrowding in youth detention centres, police watch houses, and adult prisons, according to documents tabled with the legislation on Thursday.

27 Aug 2026· 2 sources

Australia Backs Down on Renewable-Only Data Centres, Allowing Coal and Gas Use

The Australian federal government has softened its stance on powering new data centres, abandoning initial plans to require renewable-only energy and instead permitting coal and gas under new standards to be legislated in early 2027, a move welcomed by Queensland and the Northern Territory but criticised by environmental advocates.

Queensland Passes Critical Minerals Bill Granting ‘Extraordinary Powers’ for Fast-Tracked Development

The Queensland parliament has passed a controversial critical minerals bill granting extraordinary powers to accelerate mining and processing projects, with last-minute amendments that calmed some farming groups but left other critics, including environmental advocates and community representatives, voicing concerns about weakened oversight and long-term costs.

WFH entrenched but union push for more regulation rejected, Fair Work rules

The Fair Work Commission has declared that working from home is now entrenched across Australian workplaces but rejected union arguments that this widespread adoption justified further regulatory intervention, in a major ruling that contrasts directly with the rationale used by Victoria to introduce its own WFH laws.

ICAC Questioned Anita Perrottet About Disappearing Messages; Charles Perrottet and Jean Nassif to Testify

The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has questioned Anita Perrottet, the wife of former Premier Charles Perrottet, about messages that were deleted or went missing, as the Operation Rosny inquiry prepares to hear from Charles Perrottet and fugitive developer Jean Nassif next week. Nassif, who is wanted in Australia on fraud charges, will appear via video link from overseas.

27 Aug 2026· 6 sources

Australian spy agency gains powers to secretly question people as left-right opposition fails

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has been granted expanded powers to secretly question individuals, after an unusual alliance of left and right politicians failed to block the legislation. The new laws, passed with bipartisan government support, allow the domestic spy agency to detain and interrogate people in secret, without access to a lawyer or oversight.

Fraser Embraces Chaos as Blues Prepare for Wildcard Final; Saints Cut No.3 Pick

Carlton coach Josh Fraser has declared he has no fear about fielding his youthful side in the high-stakes AFL wildcard clash at the MCG, while St Kilda have made a dramatic list call by axing their No.3 draft pick in a clear signal of a new direction under the club’s rebuild.

Jeroen Weimar, Victoria’s Former COVID Chief, Steps Down as Transport Secretary

Jeroen Weimar, who led Victoria’s pandemic response and later became secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning, is leaving his role — the most senior public servant to depart since Premier Ben Carroll took office.

Search Continues for Tasmanian Pilot After Plane Crash Off NT Coast

Search and rescue teams are continuing to scour remote waters off the Northern Territory coast on Thursday for the wreckage of a plane belonging to Tasmanian pilot Bob Bramley, who crashed on Tuesday. Bramley's family has described the incident as a 'great loss', as authorities work to locate the aircraft and determine the cause of the crash.

Tasmanian AI data centre plans to use trucked-in water and rainwater for cooling

A proposed AI data centre in north-west Tasmania would rely on a combination of trucked-in water and rainwater for its cooling systems, according to plans submitted by Firmus Technologies. The project, which has now opened for public submissions, has sparked questions about water sourcing and environmental impact in a region known for its agricultural and ecological sensitivity.

Bogie grazier accused of triple murder to testify in Townsville trial

Queensland grazier Darryl Valroy Young, accused of triple murder and attempted murder, will give evidence in his trial in Townsville, a significant development as the defendant prepares to take the stand in his own defence.

Federal Court to Decide What Counts as Direct Aged Care Under New Minimums

A Federal Court case will determine what constitutes 'direct care' under Labor's new aged care minimums, raising the possibility of hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for providers who fail to meet the standards. The outcome could set a landmark precedent for the industry, clarifying which daily tasks — from personal hygiene to cleaning up after meals — count toward the mandated minimum care minutes.

Senior transport official tells CFMEU inquiry union bosses 'stalked' her children

A senior Department of Transport and Main Roads official has told Queensland's CFMEU inquiry that union bosses made her feel 'stalked' and that their behaviour towards her was 'disturbing, creepy, and inexcusable', including unsettling comments about the whereabouts of her school-aged daughter.

27 Aug 2026· 4 sources

Teen girl dies from strangulation during sex; authors call for regulation of porn and social media

A teenage girl has died from strangulation during a sexual encounter, prompting two Australian commentators to argue that pornography and social media are normalizing dangerous sexual practices like 'choking' among young people, and must be held accountable. Writing in major Australian newspapers, David Corlett and Maree Crabbe warned that such practices are now common but carry lethal risks, calling for urgent regulatory action.

AFL fines Geelong $140,000 over concussion waiver contract breach

The AFL has imposed a $140,000 fine on the Geelong Football Club for failing to lodge a contract variation with player Jake Kolodjashnij, a breach linked to the league’s concussion waiver protocols. The penalty, announced on Thursday, underscores the AFL’s enforcement of administrative rules around player safety agreements.

27 Aug 2026· 4 sources

Freedman's Gun Runner Colt Genesis Runner Set for Spring Stakes Campaign

Will Freedman has declared that Genesis Runner, a colt by champion US sire Gun Runner, is capable of stakes-level competition this spring, as the Rosehill-based trainer looks to build on a promising early season for his stable.

Security Guard Assaulted at Sydney's Luna Park; Man Arrested

A 21-year-old man has been arrested following an alleged assault on a security guard at Sydney's Luna Park late at night, according to reports from the scene.

AIS pays over $3 million in redress to athletes abused while on scholarships

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has paid more than $3 million in financial redress to over 225 athletes who suffered physical, sexual, or psychological abuse while holding scholarships between 1981 and 2013, marking a significant step in acknowledging historical failures in athlete welfare at the national sports institute.

Abbott says War Memorial should leave frontier conflicts to National Museum

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has said the Australian War Memorial should not 'dwell on' frontier conflicts, arguing such history would be better presented at the Australian National Museum. His comments, reported by Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, add a prominent voice to a long-running debate over the memorial's scope and its treatment of violence against Indigenous Australians.