A coroner has ruled it would have been "extremely difficult" for anyone to predict a mentally unwell woman would murder her ex-partner in an arson attack in south-east Queensland, which also claimed her life.
A cafe in Melbourne's north, previously targeted in a drive-by shooting, has caught fire. Authorities are treating the blaze, which caused significant damage to the cafe and a neighboring post office, as suspicious. A dark-coloured SUV was reportedly seen fleeing the scene.
Critically endangered swift parrots face habitat loss in Tasmania due to ongoing native forest logging. Despite government advice and ecological concerns, logging continues, impacting crucial breeding areas and raising questions about the effectiveness of current conservation strategies and future environmental standards.
The Victorian Coalition has pledged a $5 billion investment over four years to repair and rebuild the state's roads, aiming to fix one million potholes and improve maintenance systems if elected in November. The plan also includes boosting roadside maintenance and reviewing construction standards.
As Australian parliament takes a winter break, Prime Minister Albanese reviews his standing after a bold budget and security pacts, while Opposition Leader Taylor targets One Nation, framing them as an economic liability. Both leaders face internal party challenges and external economic pressures.
Australia is expanding its digital traveller declaration system, a replacement for paper incoming passenger cards. Trialled on Qantas flights, it will be available via a webform to all international travellers from next year and integrated into airline apps, aiming to reduce airport congestion.
Labor's proposed 30% minimum tax on trust distributions impacts 210,000 small businesses. Restructuring relief is offered, but clarity on state stamp duty and accounting costs is needed, creating a difficult choice for businesses.
