Just below the surface of the water off the coast of Queensland, humpback whales can be heard clearly singing to each other, as new research shows they are learning complex melodies from other regions. Key points: University of Queensland researchers believe whales are able to learn complex songs from other regions Only the males sing, …
For five hours today, residents of the Northern Territory will be able to blow up fireworks without permission or training, to celebrate Territory Day. It is the only time in Australia that public sale, use and possession of fireworks without permission is legal. Every year it raises the debate over safety issues, with the celebrations …
Victorians waking up to a new fiscal year will face a series of price hikes as the government launches a new scheme designed to ease pressures on the cost of living. Australia continues to struggle with inflation, with a 5.1% rise in consumer prices over the past year. Mortgage repayments will also rise, and most …
The varroa mite, which is deadly to bees, has been detected on the central coast as authorities increase the number of hives that are to be destroyed to control the spread of the parasite. Acting Plant Protection Officer of the NSW Department of Primary Industries Chris Anderson said the agency had established an emergency biosafety …
Here’s what you need to know this morning. The deadline for Dine and Discover vouchers ends The new figures reveal that more than 10 million Dine and Discover vouchers have not been spent. Last year, the government issued 33 million vouchers to help local businesses stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program expired yesterday, …
Coffs Harbor, like many NSW regional cities, is facing a housing crisis, so the announcement of a major refurbishment of an existing public estate earlier this year was welcomed. Key points: The redevelopment of the Argyll Estate in Coffs Harbor aims to alleviate the crisis in the supply of local housing But only nine additional …
For the past year, Angela Cooney has been doing the opposite of what doctors usually do: she’s been helping people end their lives. Key points: The adoption of WA’s VAD scheme has been greater than expected People from all walks of life have accessed it Their average age has been 73 and most had cancer-related …
As many as 2.8 million Australians will see an increase in their pay package from Friday when the annual fair review of the Fair Work Commission comes into force. Friday marks the start of the new fiscal year, which means the FWC’s decision to raise the national minimum wage will apply. The industrial referee revealed …
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles says Labor will take a “different tone” to relate to global affairs, including tackling growing tensions with China. Marles said global issues need to be resolved by referring to the rule of law. “We’re going to do things in a different tone to the old government, we’re not going to …
Former director of obstetrics and gynecology at Base Mackay Hospital, George Campbell Du Toit, has been banned from practicing surgery. The Queensland Health Ombudsman has also ordered that Dr. Du Toit not be involved in the provision of care to women during childbirth and immediately after giving birth. Under the conditions, Dr. Du Toit “should …