CALLS for further reforms to create a universal childcare system are mounting, after major government announcements to improve access for families. Anthony Albanese has promised a re-elected Labor government would abolish the childcare activity test and offer three days of subsidised care to families earning up to $530,000 a year. Advertise with

AN extra 5000 social homes will be built through $3 billion in joint funding as part of a fast-tracked round of Labor's signature housing policy. Housing Minister Clare O'Neil will announce a new partnership with the states and territories to deliver the additional homes under the Housing Australia Future Fund. Advertise with

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese says Peter Dutton is "hiding from scrutiny" of his $330 billion nuclear energy plan by releasing it weeks before Christmas. Mr Albanese also criticised the bill for the opposition leader's plan, telling journalists it would be fully funded by taxpayers "because no private sector investor will go

POWER planners have found nuclear energy does not stack up for Australia even after considering new parameters, with large-scale solar and big batteries still the lowest-cost option. In an official update released on Monday, as the federal opposition prepares to release its costings, scientists warn taxpayers will need deep pockets and

NEW wanding laws that target the illegal possession of knives, aim to reduce knife crime and boost community safety came into effect in NSW on Monday. Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police will be able to use handheld scanners – or electronic metal-detecting ‘wands’ – to stop and

AUSTRALIANS are worse off today than they were three years ago, but Treasurer Jim Chalmers argues they would be mired in even more economic misery under the coalition. Living standards, measured by real disposable income per capita, have fallen more than 10 percent since Labor took office in May 2022 as