Victoria shivers through coldest start to summer in 30 years
Melbourne’s temperature is not forecast to rise above 16C today, making it the coldest December 1 since 1996. ⌘ Read more

Sensitive parliament communications handed to contractor without security clearance
A contractor that was the victim of a Russia-linked hack did not have the necessary security clearance when it received thousands of sensitive communications between politicians and parliamentary staff, in a mistake the department has now conceded. ⌘ Read more

Death toll tops 800 as intense storms hammer Asian countries
At least 212 people are dead and 218 are missing in Sri Lanka as floods, cyclones and torrential rain continue to affect millions of people across Asia. ⌘ Read more

Gold Coast urged to curb car dependence after light rail loss
With the population heading toward 1 million, the Gold Coast is being urged to overhaul its transport system or risk becoming defined by traffic. ⌘ Read more

Meet Shiloh, the last dog on Christmas Island
Dogs were banned some years ago to protect the unique wildlife of Christmas Island, but one very special chocolate labrador remains, and she is shared by the whole community. ⌘ Read more

Energy grid not ready for Eraring coal plant’s closure, AEMO says
The energy grid is not ready for the closure of the Eraring coal plant, the energy operator has warned, raising the threat of widespread blackouts in eastern Australia. ⌘ Read more

WA government pledges $14.8m for domestic violence refuges across state
The WA government commits $14.8 million towards family and domestic violence refuges across the state, with one provider saying it will help support women facing “life and death” situations. ⌘ Read more

December is a perfect storm for anyone wanting to drink less
If you want to drink less (or not at all) this silly season, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Having a plan can help. ⌘ Read more

Archaeologists bring 170yo Aboriginal artefacts to surface in the outback
A stash of Aboriginal artefacts, dating back about 170 years, is unearthed from the red dirt of outback Queensland, bringing history to life for the local Pitta Pitta people. ⌘ Read more

Aussies humbled by New Zealand twice in Dubai rugby sevens finals
Australia falls to its trans-Tasman rivals in both the women’s and men’s finals at the season-opening leg of the world series. ⌘ Read more

How Oscar Piastri can still win the F1 world title
Oscar Piastri’s hopes of winning the F1 title suffered a hammer blow after McLaren’s strategy error in Qatar, but there is still hope. Here’s how the Aussie can upset the odds in Abu Dhabi’s decider. ⌘ Read more

Live: Joyce to make decision on move to One Nation in ‘next couple of weeks’
Newly minted independent Barnaby Joyce says he’ll make his decision on whether he’ll defect to One Nation in the next couple of weeks. Follow live. ⌘ Read more

Smart cars used as ‘weapons’ by domestic violence abusers
A new eSafety advisory warns Australians about technology-facilitated abuse and provides advice on how to protect themselves from it. ⌘ Read more

On high fire danger days in NSW there is a high chance schools will close
Public school parents in New South Wales have been advised school closures may occur on days of elevated fire danger. ⌘ Read more

What to expect as decision day on Macquarie Point stadium finally arrives
The long-running debate over whether an AFL stadium should be built on Hobart’s waterfront is reaching an end, as the parliamentary vote takes place this week. ⌘ Read more

Head happy to ‘play any role’ in day-night Ashes Test
Travis Head says he has no qualms if he is shifted back down Australia’s batting order following his exploits as an opener in the first Ashes Test. ⌘ Read more

Runoff from heavy rain can damage homes. But who’s responsible?
Runoff from heavy rainfall and poor drainage can cause damage to properties and worsen flooding. So, who’s responsible if your property experiences runoff, and what can you do about it? ⌘ Read more

By-election a tick of approval for LNP, but no crystal ball for election
A week is a long time in politics, let alone three years, and the LNP’s success at the next election is by no means assured, writes Jack McKay. ⌘ Read more

‘Unjust’: International students trading their rights for a bed
International students relying on education agents to study in Australia might be misled about the country’s housing situation. ⌘ Read more

Queensland to enjoy cooler, drier first days of summer
After a soaking November, this week could deliver a very brief reprieve from the storms and scorching heat. ⌘ Read more

Sudden shutdown of Australian salad grower puts 180 people out of work
Australian salad grower Dicky Bill enters administration, putting 180 people out of work before Christmas. ⌘ Read more

Social media ban leaves children vulnerable to phishing scams, experts say
As the social media ban comes into effect, experts are worried children and families will be left vulnerable to age verification scams. Here’s why. ⌘ Read more

The first ever Ashes Test in Brisbane was ‘disastrous’ for Australia
Australia’s Ashes domination in Brisbane is almost total, with England winless at the Gabba since 1986. It wasn’t always like this though, with the first visit to Brisbane resulting in the heaviest defeat in cricket history. ⌘ Read more

Tech companies advised to label AI-generated content
With AI deepfakes causing confusion and harm online, the federal government tells tech developers that AI content should be clearly labelled, ahead of a National AI Plan due to be released. ⌘ Read more

Minister will not commit to childcare inquiry despite safety concerns
The early childhood education minister is refusing to say whether the federal government will establish an independent review of childcare standards. ⌘ Read more

The last man on the moon: Can you ace this week’s history quiz?
From reality TV and heist movie remakes to man’s last step on the moon — how well do you know this week in history? ⌘ Read more

Albanese and Labor are at their zenith. What a difference a year makes
It is hard to imagine a better end to the prime minister’s year than this one, but realists in government know Labor can’t continue to ride the wave. ⌘ Read more

How much does your car really pollute? New data exposes popular models
New rules around NOx, the most deadly form of vehicle pollution, come into force today, as testing reveals which popular models are pumping out more than others. ⌘ Read more

The Ozempic effect reshaping supermarkets and stock markets
The explosive rise of drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro is shifting consumption patterns, health outcomes and pushing pharmaceutical giants into trillion-dollar valuations. ⌘ Read more

Live: Piastri’s Qatar Grand Prix pole piles pressure on Norris
Oscar Piastri starts on pole for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, with F1 championship leader Lando Norris feeling the pressure in second. Follow live. ⌘ Read more

Home prices keep climbing but interest rate outlook removes some heat
National home values rose 1 per cent in November, according to Cotality’s monthly index, which was the third straight month of gains above 1 per cent. But the pace of growth did moderate as the prospect of rate cuts faded. ⌘ Read more

Breaking: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu formally asks to be pardoned from corruption charges
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally asked for a pardon from President Isaac Herzog relating to corruption charges against him. ⌘ Read more

Ellyse Perry guides Sixers to Sydney Smash triumph
Australia star Ellyse Perry hits an unbeaten 77 as the Sixers down the Thunder by six wickets in the Sydney Smash. ⌘ Read more

Death toll in Hong Kong blaze rises to 146 after more bodies found
The death toll in the Hong Kong blaze rises as authorities say another 100 people remain unaccounted-for. ⌘ Read more

Ukraine attacks two Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tankers in the Black Sea
Naval drones could be seen speeding towards hulking tankers followed by powerful explosions that caused fires on the vessels. ⌘ Read more

Family of Port Lincoln sailor fears she has died overseas
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian missing in the Mozambique Channel off the coast of Africa. ⌘ Read more

Homes under threat as bushfire bears down on Geraldton homes
Firefighters are defending properties in the outer Geraldton suburbs of Waggrakine and Moresby as a bushfire burned close to homes on Sunday afternoon. ⌘ Read more

Chaz Mostert wins maiden Supercars title in Adelaide
Chaz Mostert breaks through for a maiden Supercars championship after rival Broc Feeney spins out on the opening lap at the Adelaide grand final. ⌘ Read more

Spaniard Puig fends off chasing pack to win Australian PGA Championship
David Puig joins legendary countryman Seve Ballesteros as an Australian PGA champion after emerging from a congested field at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane. ⌘ Read more

NSW community in shock after fire destroys two buildings at high school
Alternative arrangements are being made for hundreds of students at Deniliquin High School after a fire tore through two buildings containing a library and classrooms. ⌘ Read more

Protesters arrested for blocking world’s largest coal port
Police arrest more than 30 people in Newcastle Harbour for alleged marine-related offences during an anti-fossil fuel protest. ⌘ Read more

Anti-immigration protest met with counter-rally in Melbourne CBD
A large police presence, including riot police, has been stationed across Melbourne’s CBD as two countering protest groups marched through the city. ⌘ Read more

Pope Leo visits Istanbul’s Blue Mosque during his four-day visit to Türkiye
Leo smiled during the 20-minute visit and joked with one of his guides, but did not appear to pray. ⌘ Read more

Queensland Labor conference calls for CFMEU administration to end
A walkout was staged by members of the party’s Right faction when the motion, which called for the Commonwealth to end the administration of the union, was moved. ⌘ Read more

‘A lot of the shame I felt has gone’: Em Rusciano on finding balance in life
As a writer, singer, comedian, podcaster, author and single mum, Em Rusciano has become accustomed to navigating a chaotic life. The self-described “maximalist power queen” shares how she unwinds and how her approach to life has changed since going through perimenopause and being diagnosed with ADHD and autism. ⌘ Read more

King Island teen missing since Friday, police say
Local King Island teen Lusian West, 16, has not been seen since Friday, with Tasmania police and rescue crews to conduct aerial searches of the island’s north. ⌘ Read more

Fears NT could become ‘dumping ground’ for climate pollution under CO2 plan
A plan for the Northern Territory to be among the first places in the world to import foreign carbon emissions has raised fears it will turn Darwin into a global pollution dumping ground. ⌘ Read more

Wayde Chiesa vows to get to work following LNP victory in north Qld
The LNP’s Wayde Chiesa will be the next representative for the Queensland seat of Hinchinbrook, which had been safely held by Katter’s Australian Party since 2017. ⌘ Read more

New leader Jess Wilson to remain shadow treasurer under Victorian opposition reshuffle
New opposition leader Jess Wilson will retain shadow treasurer responsibilities under a reshuffle, while also keeping multiple former opposition leaders in the fold. ⌘ Read more

Lions ‘threw the kitchen sink’ but nothing could halt Roos’ perfect season
Creating history by winning consecutive premierships and completing an unbeaten season is just reward for North Melbourne’s boundary-pushing AFLW program. ⌘ Read more