The Latest Breaking News from ABC News

Jim Chalmers says the Coalition racked up all but a 'tiny fraction' of $1 trillion in debt left to Labor. Is that correct?

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says that Labor inherited a trillion dollars of "Liberal debt" when it came to office, and that Labor's share of that, left to the previous Coalition government was "a tiny fraction". RMIT ABC Fact Check runs the numbers.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

ASX closes higher, Westpac shares jump as bank records $4 billion profit in half-yearly results — as it happened

The Australian share market has closed higher after Westpac posted a $4 billion profit in its half-yearly results. Look back on the day's events as they happened with our blog.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Gippsland family builds accessible house to keep son living with disability out of aged care

Aresti lives with disability and was facing being put into a group home — until his family got creative with NDIS funding.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Philosopher Peter Singer weighs in on AI, robot rights and being kinder to animals

Australian ethicist Peter Singer believes as machines move closer to consciousness and become "capable of suffering or enjoying their lives", humanity will face incredibly difficult decisions.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Mark McGowan government faces 'balancing act' as calls grow to overhaul WA's rental laws

An overhaul of rental laws could help people such as Alyssa, who spends more than half her income on rent. However, there are fears changes could worsen the housing shortage.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Newcastle council plan aims to create 'pollinator paradise' for native bees near site of first varroa mite outbreak

The Newcastle council backs plans to create flora-covered bus stops, pollination walls, and more garden space to bring bees back to the rapidly transforming city.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Uluru tourism climbing back to pre-pandemic levels, but visitors bypass Alice Springs

Following several years of underwhelming visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more guests are returning to the iconic rock and cultural heart of Australia.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

What we know about the Northern Territory government's 2023-24 budget

Northern Territory Treasurer Eva Lawler is keeping her cards close to her chest as she prepares to hand down her first budget on Tuesday. But some key announcements, and key budget projections, are already in the public domain.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

ACT set to become the first Australian jurisdiction to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14

The ACT government will introduce a bill tomorrow proposing the minimum age of criminal responsibility be lifted to 12 years of age as soon as the legislation is passed, and then to 14 by July 2025.

ABC News · May 7, 2023

Adelaide not-for-profit clinic calls for increased training to make women's healthcare more inclusive

An Adelaide gynaecologist offering free services for female genital mutilation survivors is calling for more resources to make women's health services more inclusive.

ABC News · May 7, 2023