nc

Photos capture North Korean ships breaking UN sanctions in Chinese waters

In what appears to be a lax enforcement by China of UN sanctions, North Korean vessels — some carrying illicit coal shipments — are seen anchored in Chinese waters last year in photos from a UN report.




nc

One year after its launch, Canberra's light rail patronage has plummeted

Light rail was officially launched one year ago in Canberra and, up until the COVID-19 outbreak, was proving more popular than first estimated. The government announced an increase in frequency to help alleviate the peak hour crush earlier this year, but now, the carriages are running empty.




nc

600,000 people out of a job, 1.6 million with no income from work: ABS estimates the initial cost of coronavirus

A new survey from the ABS shows the extreme effect of coronavirus social-distancing measures on employment, with well over a million workers losing their incomes in the space of a month.




nc

'Everything has to change' — The new laws to deal with Victoria's coronavirus emergency

Changes necessary for the Victorian Government to deal with the coronavirus pandemic include plans to hold judge-only trials and giving councils the power to hold meetings online.




nc

One of the world's few micronations celebrates its 50th, but is the Hutt River Province dream over?

On this day 50 years ago, WA farmer Leonard Casley "stuck his nose up" at the Federal Government and seceded from Australia, forming the micronation the Principality of Hutt River.




nc

Young people dominate nearly 800,000 job losses since COVID-19 crisis escalated

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a 5.5 per cent slump in jobs in the first week after extensive business shutdowns and social-distancing limits were introduced to contain the virus, new ABS figures show.




nc

From flying planes to stacking shelves — Virgin Australia staff react to airline's insolvency

Virgin Australia's potential collapse has left staff scrambling for jobs, as tourism and aviation industries prepare for the threat of major player leaving the market.




nc

Australia faces biggest economic contraction since Great Depression, Reserve Bank warns

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe warns Australia's unemployment rate is likely to hit 10 per cent by June, and even though Australia will recover, the coronavirus emergency "will cast a shadow over our economy for some time to come".




nc

Ruby Princess doctor tells inquiry she would not have allowed passengers to disembark

The senior doctor on board the Ruby Princess tells an inquiry she is surprised passengers were allowed to disembark in Sydney last month despite some displaying COVID-19 symptoms.




nc

Concerns over who gets access if a successful coronavirus vaccine is discovered

As numerous laboratories race to develop a coronavirus vaccine, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation warns that it can't just be available to people in wealthy countries.




nc

Science denial among top 10 greatest risks to humankind, new report claims

A new report has ranked disdain for scientific knowledge as one of humanity's biggest threats, alongside climate change, nuclear war, and artificial intelligence.




nc

Calm before the storm? House prices tipped to tumble as auction clearance rates slump

A property analyst warns the worst-case scenario could see falls of up to 30 per cent, mainly in Sydney and Melbourne, while the end of the bank's mortgage repayment holidays will bring the real test for the housing market.




nc

NT Government suspends debate as emergency coronavirus legislation rushed through Parliament

Renters in the NT will be protected from eviction for up to four months after more coronavirus emergency legislation passes parliament. But the Opposition and independents say Labor is avoiding scrutiny of its measures, following the suspension of Question Time.




nc

Arnhem Land opened up to Aussies like never before with spectacular online concert series

As artists worldwide launch livestream concerts from home, Yolngu musicians in one of the most remote parts of Australia are offering up a unique series of performances from north-east Arnhem Land.




nc

NAB asks shareholders for $3.5b to protect the bank against 'very uncertain times'

In an extremely unusual move, National Australia Bank reports its results to the stock exchange almost a fortnight early as it seeks an extra $3.5 billion of investment from shareholders.




nc

Can't get a refund on your cancelled trip? Here's what to do

More than 6,000 people have complained to the ACCC about their travel company's handling of refunds. We've looked into what your options are for getting your money back.




nc

Key points from the PM's press conference

Where coronavirus came from, Australia's relationship with China, and the possibility of being able to jump on a plane to New Zealand were all canvassed by the PM in his latest press conference.




nc

ANZ announces 51pc profit slump, defers dividend

ANZ announces a 51 per cent slump in profits and defers paying a dividend as it braces for at least a billion-dollar hit from the COVID-19 recession.




nc

Energy operator wants to remotely switch off rooftop solar systems amid 'uncontrolled growth'

Australia's electricity grid operator wants the authority to remotely switch off new rooftop solar systems in SA in order to manage their "invisible and uncontrolled" growth.




nc

Coronavirus update: China's Hubei province lowers emergency response level

The initial epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak will lower its emergency response level from tomorrow. These are the key coronavirus developments from Friday.





nc

Solid demand and favourable weather buoy agribusiness confidence

Solid rainfall has boosted farmer confidence this season and, while uncertainty hangs over the global economy, many remain optimistic that agriculture will weather the storm.




nc

Key points from the Prime Minister's latest press conference

The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer urge people to download the tracing app to speed easing of restrictions, while another large support package to help keep aged care resident safe is announced.




nc

From hobby cook to burger king with little savings or experience – and dad as the delivery guy

At 14 years of age Zaynn Bird was a sub-par McDonald's employee. At 23 he owns one of his state's most impressive burger joints.




nc

Flight Centre stops charging cancellation fees for trips affected by coronavirus

The travel agent chain backs down from charging hundreds of dollars in cancellation fees for trips cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, following pressure from customers and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.




nc

Indonesian zoos facing financial strain could 'feed herbivores to the carnivores' amid pandemic

Some 70,000 animals across Indonesia, including members of critically endangered species, are at risk of starvation as zoos struggle financially due to social distancing restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic.




nc

As restrictions are lifted in parts of Australia, some states announce more rules to be eased

Children in SA will soon be able to return to playgrounds and in NSW, real estate watchers could be heading to open homes and auctions as soon as next weekend, as some state governments announce further easing of restrictions. These are the key coronavirus developments from today.




nc

How an elderly island enclave warded off COVID-19 ... without blowing up the bridge

The community of mainly over-60s on St Huberts Island in NSW manages to stare down the threat of COVID-19 with music, exercise and good wine — and a fresh catch of fish delivered by doting grandsons.




nc

In the middle of an economic crisis, one sector is experiencing a surprise 'COVID surge' in jobs

While the economic tsunami of coronavirus shutdowns hammers most sectors, WA's resources industry has jobs created on mine sites where providers of support services like catering, cleaning and maintenance are in high demand to keep mine sites safe.




nc

Murray Bridge journalist launches online service after ACM suspends newspaper

A journalist left out of work after Australian Community Media shut down his regional printing press starts his own online newspaper in an effort to keep the community informed.




nc

Women bearing brunt of COVID-19 job losses 'suddenly' stripped of financial independence

New data shows how hard the impact of the coronavirus has been on women's jobs as a leading economist worries about the long-term impact for women in the workforce.




nc

Foxtel 'threatened with extinction' within a few years as streaming services cannibalise revenue

Under siege from much cheaper rivals and with lenders unwilling to support it, pay TV operator Foxtel is increasingly looking like a threatened species.




nc

Calls for State Government to help thousands of local council staff who are without pay

The state's peak body for local councils is calling on the Victorian Government to help more than 5,000 council staff who are without work and ineligible for JobKeeper, amid calls for a rates freeze for property owners.




nc

Coronavirus has delivered some scary numbers for Europe, and more are ahead — the financial cost

The collective European economy will contract by 7.7 per cent this year and debt will skyrocket, with Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal among the hardest hit by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.




nc

ICAC investigating alleged 'improper conduct' by university vice-chancellor

South Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption confirms he is investigating allegations of improper conduct by the vice-chancellor of the University of Adelaide.




nc

Commonwealth Bank temporarily closes 114 branches due to coronavirus impacts

CBA says today's closure of 114 branches nationwide is temporary and due to a massive increase in online and telephone banking.





nc

South Australia set to reopen as authorities relax social distancing

SA's Premier announces a sweeping repeal of many of the state's current coronavirus restrictions, with outdoor dining at restaurants and cafes to resume from Monday — but caps on gatherings will remain.




nc

Just 100m separated these similar Sydney homes — here's why the price difference was $200,000

A Sydney home sold just before COVID-19 restrictions came down in NSW for $200,000 more than a similar house around the corner — a real estate agent says online auctions are to blame for the price difference.




nc

Restaurateurs, publicans say rules to reopen not financially viable with 10-person limit

Many Queenslanders rejoice that some coronavirus restrictions will soon be lifted but what does this mean for the state's restaurateurs and publicans?




nc

'They're really struggling': Should personal finance be a subject in high school?

Young Australians need to be prepared now for the next major financial shock as the coronavirus pandemic reveals some families do not understand the long-lasting impact of the decisions they are making, experts say.




nc

"Very messy": Principals question premier's part-time learning plan

Premier Gladys Berejiklian wants students to resume learning under a roster system, but principals have slammed the idea as confusing and unrealistic




nc

As normal everyday functioning vanishes, our society has been put on trial

The fabric of our society is generally taken for granted as flexible and difficult to tear, but the pandemic has torn our society out of its routine.




nc

'Very messy': Principals question Premier's part-time learning plan

Premier Gladys Berejiklian wants students to resume learning under a roster system, but principals have slammed the idea as confusing and unrealistic.




nc

The Great Lockdown is a sledgehammer busting dreams that won't bounce back

It’s like a giant version of the Kings Cross lockout.




nc

Company 'knew' virus was running rampant on Ruby Princess, court told

In a series of explosive allegations, Princess Cruises has been accused of recklessly endangering lives.




nc

A luminary of Australian science fiction

Mervyn Binns, well-known Melbourne bookseller who specialised in science fiction, fantasy and counter cultural literature, has died aged 85.




nc

'Unfair': Flight Centre draws fire over $300 charge for COVID cancellations

A Victorian family whose dream holiday to the US was cancelled because of coronavirus has accused Flight Centre of "robbery" for refusing to refund the full cost of a Disneyland pass.




nc

The assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen

These are days, obviously, when faith is being tested; this is not unique. But the isolation requirements add a new measure of distress and psychological challenge.




nc

Mike Bowden: Defined by decency, not strength

Michael J Bowden, OAM, was a unique man who lived a full Australian life; physically strong and intellectually determined, he was defined not by strength but by decency.