The last time a new government brought down its first budget, in 2014, it was a disaster for all concerned. Spending was cut by $14.2 billion over four years and receipts were increased by $3.2 billion – an extraction of $17.4 billion out of the economy – and the Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey were extracted within …

The search is on for a division one winning ticket in Australia’s record $160 million Powerball, with the lucky holder yet to claim their $53 million share. Thursday night’s record-breaking $160 million prize was split among entries from Victoria, Western Australia and NSW – with the unclaimed, life-changing ticket purchased from an NSW Lotteries outlet in Penrith. Each of the …

The world is headed for “economy-destroying levels of global heating” as signatory countries to the Paris Agreement fail to commit to more ambitious emissions reduction targets. That’s the message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, as the United Nations hands down its Emissions Gap Report 2022: The Closing Window. The “emissions gap” refers to the difference or “gap” between where emissions are projected …

Hon Shaoquett Moselmane MLC VALEDICTORY SPEECHES The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House of Wednesday 12 October 2022, proceedings are now interrupted to enable the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane to make his valedictory speech without any question before the Chair. Before I call the honourable member, I welcome into my gallery many guests of the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, including …

The jury continues to deliberate in the trial of Bruce Lehrmann, the man accused of raping his former colleague Brittany Higgins in 2019. Mr Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty and has said no sexual activity occurred. The jury today began its first full day of deliberations after retiring on Wednesday afternoon. This week lawyers finished giving their closing submissions in …

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG, Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon) announced that it established the first “IWPG Peace Monument” since the start of its peace activities in Mindanao de Oro, Philippines, a truly meaningful achievement. The IWPG Peace Monument was established to inherit Mindanao’s peace spirit, where war has been put to and end and peace has been achieved through …

The public broadcaster faces criticism from the public, as well as some of its staunchest allies and former employees, for its blanket coverage of the death of the Queen. The ABC, along with many media organisations, has devoted a large section of its broadcast and online news to the royal family. On Thursday, the ABC confirmed it had 29 staff …

Queen Elizabeth II’s personal wealth was estimated to be more than $734 million before her death. But getting an exact figure on the late monarch’s wealth is difficult, because it comes from a combination of public and private assets. Unlike other families in the United Kingdom, senior royals don’t have to make their wills public — so it’s likely we will never know exactly how much she …

Iga Swiatek has powered to a stunning victory at the US Open after leaving recent poor form behind her. The Polish star came to the US Open unsure of what to expect other than that she opposed the use of different, slightly lighter, tennis balls in the women’s competition. She was trying to grow accustomed to the noise and distractions, …

King Charles III has described a sense of “loss, without measure” at the passing of “my darling mama” in his first address in which he promised to devote the rest of his life to serving with “loyalty, respect and love”. The new king spoke solemnly and personally about his family’s sorrow at Queen Elizabeth’s death and expressed gratitude for her …