Politics news

Tweed hospital redevelopment to deliver 800 new homes

NSW unveiled a master plan Tuesday to redevelop the former Tweed Hospital site into 800 new homes, addressing a critical housing shortage with a 0.8 percent vacancy rate. Only 10 percent will be affordable housing, prompting Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry to urge the state government for more low-cost units. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.

ABC News – Politics · 14 days ago

SA government to explore legal options against developer

South Australia's government authorized its Commissioner for Business Services to examine legal options against developer Wel.Co after it cancelled 75 housing contracts at Gawler East's Springwood Estate last week. Premier Peter Malinauskas said the government will also assess legislative changes to prevent similar situations. Wel.Co cited infrastructure changes making the affected stages undeliverable as originally contracted.

ABC News – Politics · 14 days ago

Inquiry hears of CFMEU's political influence and intimidation in Queensland

Queensland's CFMEU inquiry heard testimony this week of years-long intimidation campaigns against industry leaders. Former Master Builders Queensland CEO Grant Galvin described sustained harassment including union members placing a coffin outside his office, leading to a severe mental health crisis. Former transport department chief Neil Scales alleged CFMEU leader Michael Ravbar orchestrated his contract termination in 2023.

ABC News – Politics · 16 days ago

From 40 cartographers to two: street directories nearing end of the road

Australia's street directories will no longer receive annual updates, publisher Hardie Grant announced, as sales have plummeted to less than 20 percent of their 1970s-80s peak of 250,000 copies yearly. The cartographer workforce shrunk from 40 specialists to just two. Emergency services and older drivers still rely on the directories as GPS backups when technology fails.

ABC News – Politics · 16 days ago

'Unethical': Minister admits big tech firms use Aussie content without artists' permission

Australia's Innovation Minister Tim Ayres acknowledged overseas tech companies are using Australian music to train AI models without consent, calling the practice "unethical." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for a new Office of AI to develop standards protecting creators' copyright. Australian artists including Melbourne band Playlunch discovered their music in datasets used for AI development without permission or compensation.

ABC News – Politics · 17 days ago

Controversial Sunshine Coast housing development fast-tracked

Queensland's government fast-tracked the controversial Aura South housing development on Friday, declaring it a priority development area and transferring planning powers from local council to the state. Stockland's project will deliver up to 12,000 homes near Caloundra, with first houses potentially completed within two years.

ABC News – Politics · 18 days ago

Spotify is making AI music easier to detect

Spotify announced measures on July 16, 2026, to make AI-generated music more identifiable. The streaming giant plans to eliminate 75 million 'spammy tracks' and introduce an AI credits feature to encourage transparency among artists. Spotify's global head of artists, Sam Duboff, emphasized the importance of artist discretion in using AI in their creative processes.

ABC News – Politics · 19 days ago

International buyers hit outback markets to hunt for Australia's best opals

International buyers and tourists flocked to the Winton Opal Festival in Queensland on July 14, 2026, to purchase gemstones. Jürgen Schütz, a key dealer, noted that sales have slowed due to global uncertainty, emphasizing the challenge in meeting customers' expectations. The festival showcased Australia's opal mining heritage while building its reputation in the luxury goods market.

ABC News – Politics · 21 days ago

Stars of movies Moana and Supergirl came from same Sydney high school

Former Newtown High School students Catherine Lagaʻaia and Milly Alcock starred in blockbuster movies Moana and Supergirl, respectively, marking a rare local achievement. Lagaʻaia, 19, filmed Moana while completing her HSC, showcasing remarkable dedication. Both actresses began their journeys at the school, which focuses on performing arts and nurtures young talent.

ABC News – Politics · 24 days ago

Environmental groups raise concerns about logging 'by stealth'

Environmental groups raised concerns on July 10, 2026, about 'logging by stealth' in Victoria's state forests since the end of native timber harvesting in 2024. Critics cited hazardous tree removals threatening endangered species habitat as potentially unnecessary. The Department of Energy defended the removals as part of fire management while facing legal scrutiny over its practices.

ABC News – Politics · 25 days ago

How the Telstra outage impacted these Australians

A Telstra outage disrupted services across Australia on July 8, affecting phone lines, payment systems, and transport. Mothers reported anxiety over being unable to contact their elderly parents, while a father struggled to reach his wife for childcare details. Experts warn the incident highlights vulnerabilities in Australia's digital infrastructure and lack of mandated backup systems.

ABC News – Politics · 27 days ago

SANFL avoids strike action after months of negotiations over pay

The SANFL has avoided strike action after players voted for a memorandum of understanding on wages. The players' association aims to finalize the agreement by year-end, addressing a significant decline in salaries, with average player earnings reportedly at $5,000 before tax. SANFL officials expressed commitment to a sustainable competition while seeking to enhance communication with players.

ABC News – Politics · 29 days ago