Politics news

North Queensland reacts to Rinehart's idea of giving islands to Musk

North Queensland tourism and business groups reacted to Gina Rinehart's proposal on June 19, 2026, to gift islands to Elon Musk for satellite launches. While some welcomed the idea, others raised environmental concerns over the region's pristine natural beauty. Local aerospace leaders acknowledged logistical challenges but expressed interest in further investment in the Bowen spaceport.

ABC News – Politics · 1 day ago

AI factory 'brings into doubt' future of Tasmania's Marinus Link

Firmus Technologies plans to build three energy-intensive AI data centres in northern Tasmania, requiring 400 megawatts of power. Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean warns this expansion jeopardizes the business case for the $5 billion Marinus Link, intended to enhance energy trading between Tasmania and Victoria. The project’s viability is now under scrutiny amid rising energy demands.

ABC News – Politics · 2 days ago

Couple left with nothing after investing $1m in 7-Eleven franchise

Sunny and Jotika Sharma lost their 7-Eleven franchise in Kensington, Sydney, after the company declined to renew their lease. Despite investing over $1 million and attempting to sell the store, 7-Eleven blocked potential buyers without explanation. Legal experts criticize the practice as unfair but acknowledge it is not illegal under current franchise.

ABC News – Politics · 2 days ago

Breaking: Glue Store closes after posting $8.4m loss

Australian fashion retailer Glue Store announced its permanent closure after posting an $8.4 million loss. The company expressed gratitude to its customers, stating, 'We are so grateful for your loyalty and support over the years.' Glue's shutdown follows recent closures of other retailers, including Barbeques Galore and Lincraft.

ABC News – Politics · 3 days ago

Farmer fertiliser hope as Iran ceasefire promises to reopen supply

Farmers in Australia anticipate improved fertiliser supply following a potential ceasefire between the US and Iran. The federal government has secured nearly 100,000 tonnes of urea shipments as part of an effort to mitigate rising costs. However, shipping to normal levels may take time, according to Rabobank agribusiness analyst Stefan Vogel.

ABC News – Politics · 3 days ago

After the first attempt failed, outback town gives renewables another go

Windorah unveiled a new 850-kilowatt solar farm on June 17, 2026, set to halve diesel usage and enhance energy resilience. The project aims to generate five times more electricity than its predecessor, although locals are disappointed that savings won't lower power bills. Ergon Energy eyes similar initiatives for other remote towns in Queensland.

ABC News – Politics · 3 days ago

Brewery fined following legal battle with Queensland council

Terella Brewing was fined $150,000 by Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16, 2026, after pleading guilty to unlawful use of premises. The Sunshine Coast brewery, which closed in March, failed to obtain necessary approvals for its operations, affecting more than 40 employees. Council officials expressed concerns about safety and competition stemming from the brewery's activities.

ABC News – Politics · 4 days ago

South Australia's wave buoy fails again, endangering fishers' safety

South Australia's only Bureau of Meteorology wave buoy has failed for the third time since August 2024, halting data transmission since May 30. Chairperson Ben Barnes emphasized the risks of such failures, stating they put lives in danger for fishers relying on accurate conditions. Repairs may take six weeks, pending weather and cause assessment.

ABC News – Politics · 5 days ago

Outback airship push uncertain as talks 'stall'

Mount Isa's pitch for Flying Whales inland airship port uncertain as talks 'stall' Topic: Air Transport Industry Topic: Air Transport Industry Thu 11 Jun 2026 at 10:17am Flying Whales hopes to use helium-filled airships to transport freight across Australia's interior.

ABC News – Politics · 9 days ago

Notre Dame university halts new nursing student enrolments for another year

University of Notre Dame stops taking new nursing students for another year Tue 9 Jun 2026 at 6:07pm The University of Notre Dame says there won't be new nursing student intakes for another.

ABC News – Politics · 11 days ago

Qld government contemplates ditching anti-junk-mail measures

Queensland government considers delegating responsibility for protecting people from junk mail Topic: State and Territory Government Topic: State and Territory Government Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 5:56am The Queensland government is contemplating shifting the responsibility for combating junk mail onto local councils.

ABC News – Politics · 12 days ago

Top neurologists say they were snubbed in review of controversial weed killer

As deadline looms on paraquat decision, Parkinson's disease experts warn watchdog Topic: Agricultural Chemicals Topic: Agricultural Chemicals Mon 8 Jun 2026 at 4:46am Neurologist David Blacker is calling on the Australian regulator to ban the herbicide paraquat. ( Supplied ) Leading neurologists say Australia's chemical regulator did not engage with expert submissions raising concerns about paraquat's links to Parkinson's disease.

ABC News – Politics · 12 days ago

Visitors are up, but Mona remains reliant on gambling funds

Mona visitor numbers are up, but gambling continues to prop up loss-making Tasmanian gallery Topic: Libraries, Museums and Galleries Topic: Libraries, Museums and Galleries Fri 5 Jun 2026 at 3:57pm Mona's parent companies have filed eight years of accounts with the corporate regulator.

ABC News – Politics · 15 days ago

Families demand answers as truck bypass threatens homes

Gippsland families beg for rethink as Victorian government pushes ahead with Sale truck bypass Topic: Regional Development and Planning Topic: Regional Development and Planning Fri 5 Jun 2026 at 7:29am Kris and Rebecca Grattan moved to Gippsland in search of a quieter country lifestyle.

ABC News – Politics · 15 days ago

Robertson's Big Potato 'safe for the time being' amid court appeal

Plan to relocate Robertson's Big Potato rejected by Wingecarribee Council Topic: Regional Development and Planning Topic: Regional Development and Planning Wed 3 Jun 2026 at 2:07pm The sculpture has become a popular attraction for those passing through the Southern Highlands.

ABC News – Politics · 17 days ago

'Terribly sad day': Beer experts say Boag's closure points to growing cost

Beer industry shocked by closure of Tasmanian James Boag's brewery Topic: Hospitality Industry Topic: Hospitality Industry Tue 2 Jun 2026 at 5:46pm Production of Boag's beer in Launceston will stop in November. ( ABC News: Kate Nickels ) Beer industry stakeholders have been shocked by the announcement that James Boag beer will no longer be produced in Launceston.

ABC News – Politics · 18 days ago

ICAC to probe allegations against University of Wollongong executives

ICAC inquiry to probe conflict of interest, favouritism allegations against University of Wollongong executives Tue 2 Jun 2026 at 4:27pm University of Wollongong chancellor Michael Still has been named in the ICAC investigation. ( Supplied: NSW Parliament ) The Independent Commission Against Corruption is to investigate allegations relating to the University of Wollongong.

ABC News – Politics · 18 days ago

Roadside stalls are booming, with 45,000 members in one group alone

Roadside stalls are booming in the Adelaide Hills, attracting 45,000 members on social media Topic: Regional Communities Topic: Regional Communities Mon 1 Jun 2026 at 6:24am Elise McCallum is among those selling goods on the roadside in the Adelaide Hills. ( ABC News: Ashlin Blieschke ) Roadside stalls have become hugely popular in South Australia's Adelaide Hills.

ABC News – Politics · 19 days ago

Icons to perform at John Farnham tribute concert

John Farnham tribute concert to be held in September at Rod Laver Arena Fri 29 May 2026 at 11:25am A tribute concert will be held for John Farnham in Melbourne on September 20. ( AAP: Joel Carrett ) Music icons will take the stage to honour Australian legend John Farnham at a tribute concert later.

ABC News – Politics · 22 days ago

Tasmania's Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to star in docuseries

Tasmania's Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary will star in an eight-part docuseries releasing later in 2026 on Network Ten. The show follows sanctuary director Greg Irons and his team rescuing and rehabilitating Australian wildlife, with the facility handling over 20,000 animal rescues annually.

ABC News – Politics · 24 days ago

Gold Coast seeks partners to build 'unapologetic' film and arts hub

Gold Coast council is seeking investment partners to build an arts precinct at its Miami Depot site, targeting screen, technology and gaming sectors. The four-hectare project is expected to generate $130 million annually and create 1,000 jobs, with director Baz Luhrmann as chief creative partner. The expressions of interest process closes July 31.

ABC News – Politics · 25 days ago

Meet the woman who dives for shopping trolleys

Volunteer Cassy Tzoutzias has removed over 300 shopping trolleys from Moores Creek in Rockhampton, Queensland, since December 2025, highlighting pollution caused by major supermarkets. Coles, Woolworths and Big W trolleys dominate the waterway while coin-operated alternatives remain absent, suggesting economic incentives reduce dumping. Governance disputes between state government, council and retailers delay cleanup efforts.

ABC News – Politics · 25 days ago

Government bails out Rex's multi-million-dollar debt to regional airports

The Australian government paid Rex Airlines' $4.8 million debt to 34 regional councils, with Dubbo Regional Council in New South Wales receiving the largest reimbursement of $598,672. The bailout follows Rex's collapse into voluntary administration in July 2024 and supports the US aviation group Air T's acquisition of the airline, backed by a $60 million federal support package.

ABC News – Politics · 26 days ago

How a container of hot chocolate put the spotlight on airport security

Australian airport security under the spotlight after Avalon false alarm Topic: Air Transport Industry Topic: Air Transport Industry Mon 25 May 2026 at 10:47am Security at Australian airports is under a spotlight following a high-profile false alarm last week in Victoria.

ABC News – Politics · 26 days ago

Iran submits revised proposal, Trump says ceasefire 'a lot closer'

Donald Trump says ceasefire 'a lot closer', with Iran and Pakistan submitting revised proposal Sun 24 May 2026 at 5:45am US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

ABC News – Politics · 27 days ago