Stories from Canberra · Australia

The Australian government has equalized incentives for private health insurance, removing extra benefits for those under 65. This move aims to fund a healthcare package.

An Australian court has ordered a mining company to pay $150 million in compensation. The ruling pertains to the use of Indigenous land for mining operations. This ruling impacts land rights and resource development in the region.

Vaccine-preventable Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cancers have cost Australia more than $130 million over the past four years. HPV is linked to several cancer types, including cervical, throat, and anal cancers.

Australia's budget deficit for this year is slightly lower at $28 billion, while the budget is set to remain in the red over the forward estimates. Jim Chalmers stated Treasury has tried to give a sense of severity amid global uncertainty.

A report indicates that the top 10% of wealthy individuals in Australia hold 90% of the nation's trusts. A portion of Australia's wealth is concentrated among a small group of wealthy individuals. One report indicated that the wealthiest people hold 90% of the trust.

Fortescue Metals Group has been fined $108 million for failing to adequately compensate Indigenous Australians. The fine relates to historical land use and compensation agreements. A court ruled that Fortescue caused harm by mining iron ore on Indigenous land without permission. The company has been awarded over 100 million Australian dollars. The company was awarded over $100 million for land use, but this separate fine addresses compensation issues. The ruling stems from a court decision regarding land use and compensation. The penalty relates to land use agreements and the company's operations in Western Australia. This action follows concerns over past practices.

Indigenous Australians have been awarded a record payout under laws recognizing indigenous land rights. The judge cited their deep connection to the land affected by mining operations. The payout is reportedly the largest of its kind.

The Australian Army has reached an agreement after months of negotiations regarding hundreds of seafarers stranded on ships around Australia. Further updates on this story are expected soon.

A bill aimed at cracking down on organized crime is being introduced to Parliament today. The legislation targets Australians and a New Zealander who are being flown to Perth via the Netherlands. They will spend at least three weeks in Western Australia.

Hewlett Packard Australia Ltd has been awarded a federal contract worth $3,152,780. This is part of a larger $115,612,246 in federal contracts distributed to major consultants in 2026, with $85,800 going to KPMG.