Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has launched Labor’s election campaign with the promise of giving Australians the government they deserve and policies for cheaper medicines, more affordable housing and gender pay equity. “We can do better than this,” Mr Albanese told a crowd of party diehards at Perth Stadium. “We will look after the young, we will look after the sick, …

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies has warned NATO that if Sweden and Finland joined the US-led military alliance then Russia would have to bolster its defences in the region, including by deploying nuclear weapons. Finland, which shares a 1300-kilometre border with Russia, and Sweden are considering joining the NATO alliance. Finland will make a decision in the …

China’s financial hub Shanghai has reported over 27,000 coronavirus cases, setting a new record. On Thursday, Shanghai reported a record 2,573 total symptomatic cases for the previous day, up from 1,189 a day earlier. Asymptomatic cases, meanwhile, reached 25,146, up from 25,141. The numbers came a day after President Xi Jinping said the country must continue with its strict “dynamic …

Four people – all believed to be young women – have been killed after a car collided with a truck near Stanthorpe in southern Queensland. They were all travelling in a vehicle that collided with a semi-trailer at a New England Highway intersection in the Southern Downs at about 5.30pm on Wednesday. The women reportedly died on impact. The truck …

Four people have been taken to hospital after Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s security detail was involved in a serious car accident on the campaign trail in Tasmania. A vehicle carrying two federal police and two Tasmanian police officers was following Mr Morrison’s car when it rolled near Elizabeth Town in the state’s north on Thursday afternoon. In a statement, the …

The former staffer of embattled MP Alan Tudge who accused him of abuse has released the government from being barred by confidentiality from speaking about a financial settlement from the Commonwealth. In a letter sent from her lawyers to the federal government, Rachelle Miller said she wished to removed any impediment to the government releasing details about her settlement, worth …

The Prime Minister has dismissed a scathing character assessment from one of his own senators, arguing a disgruntled Concetta Fierravanti-Wells is simply “disappointed” her time in federal parliament might be coming to an end. The veteran Liberal took to her feet in the Senate after 9pm on budget night to pour scorn on Scott Morrison, accusing him of having no conscience. “His …

Australia will sign an “historic” trade deal with India following years of negotiations between the two nations. The deal, which the Coalition says could reduce our reliance on China, will eliminate tariffs on more than 85 per cent of Australian goods exported to India, currently worth more than $12 billion a year. Meanwhile, 96 per cent of Indian goods entering …

Solomon Islands has confirmed it is drafting a security deal with China – a move that’s triggered alarm in neighbouring Australia and other Western allies in the Indo-Pacific. Leaked papers indicate a Chinese military base could potentially be set up on the island to Australia’s north. That’s sparked concern from Australia, long the chief defence partner and biggest aid donor …

The New South Wales coroner has confirmed that COVID-19 was responsible for the death of a two-month-old baby at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital in December. It is understood to be Australia’s youngest COVID-19 victim. The death was first reported publicly in January, at which time authorities said the cause of death was uncertain. The case was referred to the coroner who has determined the infant …