Section
Federal government decisions, national policy changes and issues affecting Australians across all states and territories. Summaries updated every two hours.
National news covers the decisions and events that shape life across Australia. From federal government policy and budget announcements to natural disasters, infrastructure projects and social issues, this section tracks the stories that affect Australians regardless of which state or territory they call home. Our summaries draw from reporting by ABC News, The Guardian Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald and other major publishers, giving you a quick read on what Canberra and the nation are doing today.
Kurt Charlton, a 29-year-old primary school teacher, is sentenced to jail for sexually abusing children. The court revealed he took on babysitting jobs to gain unsupervised access to minors. His actions have been described as 'confronting' and have raised serious concerns about child safety.
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Queensland's anti-corruption agency is investigating the police service's financial governance, following a report indicating it has been 'living beyond its means'. The inquiry targets former leadership, highlighting significant concerns over financial management practices within the organisation.
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Parents will receive a 'caveat' regarding NAPLAN results following recent exam disruptions, but no adjustments to marks will be made, according to the head of the overseeing agency. This decision comes after significant chaos during the testing period.
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A new recipe features a spiced chickpea, coconut, and ginger curry, designed as an affordable, vegetable-rich meal. This dish aims to boost immunity and is described as creamy and warming, making it ideal for winter comfort. It offers a simple cooking solution for weeknight dinners.
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Canberra's vinyl cafe in Griffith is now serving its fluffiest pancakes, attracting food enthusiasts. The cafe combines a love for music and food, offering a unique dining experience. Customers can enjoy a variety of pancake flavours in a retro atmosphere.
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A new vinyl cafe in Griffith offers Canberra's fluffiest pancakes, attracting food lovers and music enthusiasts alike. The cafe combines a unique dining experience with a nostalgic atmosphere, featuring a collection of vinyl records for patrons to enjoy. This trendy spot is quickly becoming a popular destination for locals.
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Caroline shares the poignant details of her final conversation with her son Gus before his tragic death. She reflects on their relationship and the moments leading up to the loss, highlighting the emotional impact of his passing on her life.
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New South Wales introduces reforms allowing drivers with lawful cannabis prescriptions to have a medical defence and undergo a three-strike impairment test. Advocates in Western Australia are pushing for similar legislation to support drivers using medical cannabis legally.
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Queensland initiates an inquiry to address the increasing number of complaints about local councillors, which totals around 1,000 annually. Many stakeholders believe the current system is ineffective in managing disputes among councillors. The inquiry aims to find solutions to improve governance and accountability.
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Bar Outro opens in Sydney, offering a unique wine bar and listening lounge experience. Guests can enjoy a variety of snacks alongside an extensive wine selection, creating a relaxed atmosphere for socialising and entertainment. The venue aims to blend culinary delights with music appreciation.
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Bar Outro opens as a new wine bar and listening lounge, offering a variety of snacks. Located in Melbourne, it aims to create a relaxed atmosphere for patrons to enjoy wine and music. The venue features a carefully curated selection of wines and a diverse menu.
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Victoria is identified as Australia's car theft capital, with insurance claims surpassing those of most other states combined. Recent data highlights a significant increase in vehicle thefts, raising concerns about safety and security for car owners in the region.
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Antonio Rüdiger, Real Madrid and Germany defender, advocates for refugees, drawing from his family's experience of fleeing civil war in Sierra Leone. He emphasises the importance of listening to refugees and challenges stereotypes, highlighting the struggles faced by those in similar situations during his childhood in Berlin's Neukölln district.
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Katie McCabe's transfer from Arsenal to Chelsea after 11 years has sparked mixed reactions, ranging from humour to intense anger among fans. While the rivalry between the clubs fuels discontent, some responses have crossed the line into abusive territory, highlighting the passionate nature of women's football in England.
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Belle Burden's memoir, 'Strangers', details her husband's abrupt departure and has topped US bestseller lists. Despite criticism for omitting financial details, Burden remains popular among readers, particularly women who relate to her story of betrayal and resilience. Her recent interview with Oprah Winfrey highlights the emotional impact of her experience.
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Charles and Alice, both in their 60s, face a domestic dispute over hygiene, with Charles advocating for the disposal of Alice's old dishcloths and sponges, citing bacteria concerns. Alice counters that his ashtrays are worse. Readers are invited to weigh in on the disagreement.
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A new vision for global progress proposes a future where 90% of the world's population doubles their income while working half the hours. It aims to increase the bottom half's share of global wealth from 2% to 30%, promoting sustainability and equality on a habitable planet. This radical plan challenges current techno-authoritarian narratives.
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George Forster, an 18th-century explorer, challenged racial hierarchies during his travels, beginning at age 10 with his father in Russia. His experiences with diverse cultures inspired a lifelong passion for exploration and a commitment to compassion across racial lines, as detailed in Andrea Wulf's new book. Forster's critiques of contemporary racism set him apart from his peers.
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Chloe Pink, wife of AFL player Toby Pink, responds to online trolls criticising her appearance on her wedding day. She defends herself against the negative comments, emphasising the importance of self-acceptance and positivity. Pink's statement highlights the impact of social media on personal image and mental health.
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The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) experiences a data breach, following a similar incident involving the Melbourne International Film Festival's ticketing platform just days earlier. This marks the second major data security issue for Melbourne's arts institutions within a week, raising concerns over cybersecurity in the sector.
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An iconic Australian department store, which closed its doors 46 years ago, is set to reopen, aiming to compete with Myer and David Jones. The retail giant, celebrating its 100th anniversary, plans to attract customers with a modern shopping experience. Details on the reopening date and locations are yet to be announced.
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This weekend, indulge in nostalgic winter puddings that provide comfort during chilly weather. The article highlights various gooey desserts perfect for baking, encouraging readers to enjoy these classic treats. Recipes include traditional favourites that evoke warm memories and satisfy sweet cravings.
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Lunetta Trattoria opens as a casual dining option, featuring dishes like arancini and lumache alla vodka. The new venue aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere for patrons seeking Italian cuisine. It is part of a growing trend in the local dining scene.
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Lunetta Trattoria, a casual dining venue, offers a menu featuring arancini and lumache alla vodka. The restaurant aims to provide a relaxed atmosphere for patrons to enjoy Italian cuisine. It opens its doors on June 4, 2026.
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A protest in Southampton over the killing of Henry Nowak turned violent, with far-right leaders and anti-immigrant influencers in attendance. Eleven police officers and a police dog were injured as protesters clashed with riot police, resulting in two arrests. The violence erupted after many speakers had left the scene.
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A nine-metre southern right whale, or tohorā, is freed from a fishing net after a complex multi-day rescue operation off Rakiura, New Zealand. The whale was entangled with four buoys and 100 metres of rope, marking the first recorded incident of this species being caught in New Zealand waters. The rescue was initiated by local fishers who spotted the whale on Saturday morning.
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Rebel attacks in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, have killed over 30 people, complicating the Ebola response. At least 10 individuals were massacred in raids on three villages near Beni on Wednesday. The violence has also led to three Ebola patients fleeing from clinics.
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In 2014, Carlos Manuel Álvarez and his friends launch Cuba's first independent magazine to share authentic stories of Cuban life. However, their initiative leads to isolation, monitoring, and interrogation by authorities, highlighting the challenges faced by independent journalists in Cuba. The piece reflects on their aspirations and the realities of censorship.
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The New York Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA finals, extending their playoff winning streak to 12 games. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scores 30 points, while Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is contained for much of the match. The Knicks are now three wins away from their first championship since 1973.
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A roasted sweet potato, avocado, and lentil salad offers a hearty winter dish rich in immune-boosting nutrients. The recipe combines roasted vegetables with creamy feta and a zesty dressing, making it perfect for cooler days. This comforting meal is ideal for those seeking nutritious options during winter.
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