A $28 million South Australian government fund for rural industries, established in the 1980s, has sat unused for a decade. Growers in the embattled Riverland region, facing drought and poor wine market conditions, are puzzled by the unspent funds, which could support farm development or industry transition.
South Australia will introduce legislation to remove the rights of perpetrators of serious crimes to decide what happens with the remains of their victims. The changes aim to prevent further trauma for victims' families.
More than half of Australia's government agencies failed to meet the first transparency deadline for disclosing their use of AI, despite a policy requiring basic information sharing to build public trust.
Former foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans has called the Aukus defence agreement a "ludicrous delusion" and one of Australia's worst foreign policy decisions. He argues a future US administration would only assist Australia if its own assets were threatened, not for an "existential attack".
Former Australian foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans has called the Aukus nuclear submarine deal one of the worst defence decisions ever made, warning it effectively extends the US military fleet and paints a target on Australia's back. He expressed skepticism about delivery timelines and costs, particularly for the UK-Australia joint submarines.
Australian government officials are raising concerns about the nation's growing reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, citing risks to law enforcement and national security. Documents reveal assessments of "availability risks due to the offshore nature of Starlink" and "significant control" by private operators over networks, potentially exceeding national regulatory capacity.
Australia's Labor government has withdrawn plans to make ASIO's compulsory questioning powers permanent, opting instead for a three-year review. However, the scope of offenses covered will expand to include promoting communal violence and attacking defense systems.
Six months after Australia's under-16 social media ban, supporters claim it protects youth online. Critics note continued teen usage and enforcement difficulties, as other countries consider similar measures.
Australia's High Court ruled against the government, allowing non-citizens unlawfully detained to claim compensation. This decision could cost millions and impacts over 350 individuals.
The author, citing their work on a UN commission of inquiry, condemns Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. They urge the Australian government to take concrete actions, including trade sanctions, accountability measures, and humanitarian aid, to fulfill its international law obligations.
China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand lawmakers for visiting Taiwan, accusing them of violating the one-China principle. The Chinese embassy in Wellington stated the MPs crossed a "red line," while the NZ and Australian governments condemned the ban and plan a formal protest.
Meta has strongly criticized Australia's proposed News Bargaining Incentive, calling it a "grossly unfair" and "discriminatory tax" that targets a select few foreign companies. The plan would tax digital platforms up to 2.25% of their Australian revenue unless they pay local news organizations for content.
Australia's high court ruled indefinite immigration detention unlawful in 2023. Over 350 individuals, the NZYQ cohort, cannot be deported. Sara fears her father may be deported to Nauru under a new government deal.
The Australian government is suing 3M for $2 billion over PFAS contamination, seeking to recover costs spent on cleanup at military bases. Residents in Katherine, a town heavily impacted by PFAS from RAAF Base Tindal, welcome the lawsuit but hope funds will also address local health and environmental initiatives.
Survivors of Australia's Stolen Generations, removed from their families as children, are urging governments for increased support as many are now elderly. A new plan highlights the need for trauma-informed care, access to records, and compensation schemes, as decades of waiting for action continue.
An auditor general's report reveals Australian government departments, particularly Treasury, are deliberately delaying the release of documents requested under freedom of information laws. This practice, along with other recent examples of government opacity, has drawn criticism from crossbenchers and transparency advocates, who argue the government is failing to uphold its promises of transparency.
The Australian government has paid $4.8 million in debts owed by Rex Airlines to 34 regional councils. NSW received the largest portion, nearly $2 million, with Dubbo Regional Council owed the most at $598,672. This bailout supports Air T's acquisition of Rex.
An audit report revealed that nearly 80% of freedom of information requests to key Australian government departments were rejected, indicating a culture of "resistance and delay" and flouting transparency laws. The review found inconsistent decision-making and inadequate record-keeping, with 62% of overturned decisions by the OAIC highlighting issues with bureaucrats' adherence to disclosure obligations.
Australian ministers defend controversial capital gains tax changes, while business owners and opposition figures criticize the budget measures as an "aspiration ambush" that will harm startups and growing businesses.
Australia's federal government is implementing a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from July 2028. Other budget measures include divestment orders for Chinese shareholders in Northern Minerals, Coalition plans to restrict welfare access for permanent residents, and changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax aimed at boosting housing supply.
South Australia faces critical decisions on the future of its Whyalla steelworks and Port Pirie smelter. Billions in public funds are at stake, alongside thousands of jobs, as the government negotiates with multinational corporations amid decaying infrastructure and sovereign capability concerns.
The South Australian government is planning to lift a ban on fracking in the state's South East amid reports of increasing risks to gas supply in southern parts of the nation.
A lack of clarity on the South Australian government's position on gun control reform has caused a downturn in revenue for retailers.
A suitable aircraft to bring home passengers from the Hantavirus-hit cruise has been secured and will repatriate the group of six later this week.
