Most states and territories were blindsided by the unveiling of a new program to move children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism off the National Disability Insurance Scheme, despite the federal health minister's expectation they will match his $2 billion funding pledge.
Productivity summit ends day two with progress on rules changes to boost housing supply
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the second day of his productivity roundtable brought a "real prospect" of finding agreement on changes that could boost Australia's housing supply, including making investment more attractive for super funds.
Jewish group chastises Albanese and Netanyahu's 'war of words'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both been chastised over their "war of words" by one of Australia's central Jewish community groups, following the announcement Australia would recognise Palestine next month.
Names released of 29 failing childcare centres at risk of losing funding
The 29 childcare centres were the first issued with compliance actions over ongoing failures to meet quality standards, following laws passed by parliament last month.
Patient whose surgery cancelled after 350-day wait 'inconsolable'
A patient caught up in the immense pressure being placed on WA hospitals says her planned surgery being cancelled has put her under significant stress and eroded her trust in the health system.
Australia stands firm in face of Israeli leader's blistering attack on PM
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke hit back at the Israeli prime minister's attack on Anthony Albanese, as he defended the decision to cancel the visa of a member of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition.
Government will 'shrug off' Netanyahu's criticism of Albanese — as it happened
The federal government says it has moved on from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticisms about the PM.
Over 300 charges levelled at alleged German Christmas market attacker
The Saudi-born suspect faces charges of murder and attempted murder after allegedly driving his SUV into a crowded market in the city of Magdeburg.
Freeze on construction rules on cards amid warnings housing goal will fail
Housing will dominate discussion at the Economic Reform Roundtable this morning, with ministers, business leaders and conservationists all under pressure to solve the wicked problem of building more homes without trashing the environment.
Billion-dollar Chinese investment proposed in Nauru sparks concern in Canberra
Australia has pressed Nauru for more detail about a claimed billion-dollar investment agreement that it has signed with a mysterious Chinese company, as federal government officials scramble to ensure the Pacific nation is not breaching a landmark treaty it signed with Australia just nine months ago.
Mobile phones to be banned from WA childcare centres after industry review
Mobile phones will be banned in WA childcare centres and more money provided for safety checks after a snap one-month review into the sector.
How the Labor party got to an economic reform roundtable
Day one of the economic reform roundtable has kicked off. How did the Labor party get there?
Liberals retain power as no-confidence motion defeated — as it happened
Tasmanian Labor fails to unseat Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff with not a single crossbencher voting for their no-confidence motion.
'The show will go on': Israeli MP to speak virtually after visa cancelled
In a social media post, the Australian Jewish Association says Simcha Rothman will address an event organised by the group via Zoom after he was blocked from entering the country.
Roundtable discusses streamlining skills recognition for migrants — as it happened
The economic reform roundtable discusses the prospect of streamlining skills recognition for qualified migrants.
WA's top judge issues warning over rise of 'sovereign citizens'
WA's chief justice says everyone should be worried about the rise of 'sovereign citizens' who do not believe in the law, warning of the risks to "the safety and stability" of society.
Texas Democrats return to state capitol after redistricting furore
Democrat-controlled California is moving ahead with its own redistricting plans aimed at neutralising the redrawing of US House seats in Republican-controlled Texas.
Israeli MP at centre of Australian visa row says choice is Israel or Hamas
As Australia and Israel trade visa cancellations, the far-right Israeli politician at the centre of the storm says Australia needs to choose between Israel and Hamas.
Productivity summit begins with a warning on NDIS spending
Treasurer Jim Chalmers opens the much-anticipated productivity round table with an appeal for participants to seek consensus. Meanwhile, the NDIS has emerged as a key "structural issue" in the budget being eyed by the federal government for further reforms.
Zelenskyy says no 'unacceptable decisions' made during White House talks — as it happened
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says no "unacceptable decisions" were made during today's White House talks between Donald Trumpov and European leaders about how to end war in Ukraine.
Public hospitals get $50m maintenance boost amid mounting pressure
The Cook government has announced a new $50 million health infrastructure maintenance fund, amid mounting pressures on the West Australian public hospital system.