Israel said on Thursday it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region. The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement, which has already been received and earmarked for critical military purchases, and $5.2 billion designated for air defense systems …

So large is the shadow cast by the legendary Big Three of men’s tennis that even in their absence they contribute to the narrative; for the first time in 22 years, an ATP Tour season will end without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic winning at least one of the four Grand Slam titles. Federer, of course, is long …

Shadow Housing Minister Michael Sukkar used a debate on the ABC’s Q+A on Monday to call out the government’s “unedifying” commentary around interest rate decisions. Last week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said successive rare rates were “smashing the economy” ahead of new data showing barely any growth in the June quarter. “I think it’s been a pretty unedifying display, seeing the government criticising the …

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has handed down its final report, calling for a new support body to help defence personnel transition to civilian life. Staffed by people who have experienced military service, the proposed body would help people apply for compensation and rehabilitation support, connect them with health services and conduct ongoing monitoring of wellbeing with …

Syrian officials say a series of Israeli strikes have hit multiple areas in central Syria, killing 18 people and wounding dozens of others. State news agency SANA reported on Monday that Syrian air defences “confronted an aggression that targeted several points in the central region”, damaging a highway in Hama province and sparking fires that firefighting teams were battling to …

Americans face a stark choice this November between two very different political visions. As I watched the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC), it struck me that it is also a choice between two very different kinds of Christianity. Donald Trump has positioned himself as a defender of the Christian faith, and found somewhat unlikely bedfellows in American evangelicalism. This seems …

Frontline and legal services supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence have been given extra funding to address the national crisis. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $4.7 billion package to fund services following a national cabinet meeting in Canberra on Friday. “We know that a nationally coordinated approach is required to address this national crisis,” he said. “We must …

Bunnings will be grilled on how it treats suppliers with a spotlight on increasing corporate competition to lower prices as Australians struggle with the cost of living. Senior executives from the major hardware chain have been recalled to appear before a Senate inquiry that examined supermarkets to increase competition and put downward pressure on prices at the checkout. Bunnings will …

The most important health check in years warns the Great Barrier Reef’s prospects are “very poor” despite the government pouring millions of dollars into programs to help it cope with climate change and other threats. The Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report was released with little fanfare on Friday afternoon,  minus commentary from the federal government. The five-yearly report is a …

It has been less than 48 hours since the Country Liberal Party’s landslide election win became clear, but the tone of the Northern Territory’s new government has already been set. Incoming chief minister Lia Finocchiaro, addressing the media at parliament on Monday, said her “number one priority” was community safety. “Steps must be taken to address that immediately,” she said. …