Audit office’s damning review finds home affairs department working in neither a time-efficient nor resource-efficient manner The Department of Home Affairs dropped its target of processing 80% of citizenship applications within 80 days after it got through just 15% last financial year, an efficiency review has found. Of the 15%, nearly all were deemed to be “invalid for processing”, while …

The Matildas have claimed the Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win against Argentina sparked, once again, by captain Sam Kerr. The Australian skipper rose bravely and superbly to give her side a lead with a header after less than four minutes, ensuring a Matildas’ win was never in doubt on Wednesday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park. Alanna Kennedy doubled …

NSW Labor leader Michael Daley has picked a fight with some of Sydney’s most prominent figures as he attempts to revive his signature election issue. Mr Daley said he did not care if he made “powerful enemies” as he told broadcaster Alan Jones that he would sack the powerful Sydney Cricket Ground Trust’s board if elected. In a fiery exchange …

You could be forgiven for being confused about Labor’s big tax proposals. Depending on which side of politics you listen to, Labor’s plans for negative gearing, franking credit refunds and capital gains tax concessions will either hurt those who can least afford it, or claw back tens of billions of dollars of extra revenue from the relatively well-off by shutting …

Azusa Barbie has made her dreams of living in a Barbie house come true. Aside from her collection of dolls and bags, she also makes furniture and decorations emblazoned with images of her idol. Originally from Japan, she fell in love with Barbie because the doll exemplified American pop culture. But now she believes that Barbie promotes feminism by showing …

New Matildas coach Ante Milicic has faced the media to name his first squad for the Cup of Nations, saying he was unconcerned about the turmoil that came before his appointment. Milicic announced a 23-player squad for the four-team tournament which begins on February 28. Australia will face Argentina, South Korea and New Zealand in the Cup of Nations, ahead …

Women’s sport, what it represents and some of the perceived inequities involved when comparing it with men’s sport has become a hot discussion point over the last couple of years. But it is important to stop for a moment, put all of that aside and recognise what has been an exceptional period. If some of the recent statistics around TV …

With his good looks and military pedigree, retired US Colonel Bryan Denny is considered a catch. Each week he’s contacted by new women from around the world who have fallen in love with him and, in some cases, emptied their bank accounts for him. “They are trying to confirm or deny that I’m a guy that they’ve had a relationship …

A Chinese billionaire who has been prevented from returning to Australia has asked political parties to return the millions of dollars in donations he’s made. Huang Xiangmo quickly rose to become a leading pro-China lobbyist, courting politicians and donating at least $2 million to Australian political parties directly and through his companies. But a decision from the Home Affairs Department to …

In a place where weasel words often pass muster, the most powerful intelligence officials in the world delivered a message to the United States Congress in clear, concise terms — China is a threat to America. Instances of military aggression, cyberattacks, bullying of smaller neighbours and attempts to interfere in western politics were referenced. Director of National Security Dan Coats …