Clare Armstrong

Criminal gangs cashing in on Australia's illicit tobacco boom will face tougher penalties and expanded police surveillance powers in a fresh crackdown on the black market.

The treasurer will outline how the May federal budget will respond to the crisis with a focus on "substantial" savings, productivity and tax changes to make the system fairer for younger Australians. 

If the instability in the Middle East keeps energy markets volatile, the economic and political consequences will extend far beyond the petrol pump.

Matt Canavan's rise to the Nationals leadership gives the Coalition a fighter capable of taking on Pauline Hanson, but beating back One Nation is only part of the opposition's electoral dilemma.

With a populist economic message, the new Nationals leader said local manufacturing and higher birth rates were key as he rejected the labels of "left" and "right" politics.

Four Nationals are emerging as contenders to lead the party, with Bridget McKenzie, Matt Canavan and Kevin Hogan declaring their candidacy.

Australian officials waited on the sidelines of the Iranian football team's final game in the Gold Coast on Sunday, signalling to players help was available if they wanted to talk. The government has granted asylum to five athletes who escaped from their hotel with assistance from Australian Federal Police. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirms the Australian Defence Force will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to the Gulf to help protect and defend the region, providing long-range reconnaissance activity. 

Middle powers may have a larger role to play in the emerging world order, but the same old dilemma persists: how far are they willing to defend the rules when the countries bending them are their closest allies?

Artists and copyright advocates say big tech is again pushing to loosen Australia's copyright rules as artificial intelligence companies expand.

Figures from the expenses watchdog confirm Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has repaid about $8,000 spent on flights for family travel from Perth to Sydney.

The Liberal Party did not want it made public but today the Prime Minister has used Question Time to table in parliament the opposition party's report on its disastrous federal election result last year.

Senior decision makers responsible for the Liberal Party's disastrous federal election defeat largely failed to critically assess their own performance in the aftermath, according to a controversial internal review.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has escalated his attack on the federal government over its response to the so-called "ISIS brides" cohort.

Nine childcare services that have failed to lift standards will only be named if the federal government decides to cut their taxpayer funding.

The fate of the "ISIS brides" is inextricably linked to constitutional facts but the debate about their future is not taking place in a legal chamber — it is being fought in the court of public opinion.

An independent review finds Labor's urgent care clinics face workforce shortages and problems with after-hours services, with no evidence hospital waiting times have improved.

High-spending premiers remain popular and seemingly impervious to the rising cost-of-living anxiety piling pressure on the Albanese government.

The new Liberal leader announces his shadow ministry, elevating prominent right-faction supporters including West Australian MP Andrew Hastie.

A leaked copy of the Liberal Party's migration policy prepared before Sussan Ley was ousted included plans to "elevate" the current non-binding Australian values statement.

The paralysing uncertainty that weighed on the Liberals' faces has lifted for now, but morale in politics follows results rather than reshuffles.

The Liberal Party is poised to dump its first federal female leader, with Sussan Ley's supporters acknowledging her rival, Angus Taylor, is in the "ascendancy". 

Angus Taylor has confirmed he will challenge Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for the leadership at the meeting. 

Angus Taylor's decision to quit the front bench ahead of an expected leadership spill has several Liberals considering whether to throw their hat in the ring.

Angus Taylor says the Liberals are at their weakest point since the party was formed as he announces his resignation from the front bench.