The Liberal Party's long resistance to reform has left it fighting for life

The Liberal Party of Australia has fallen on hard times. The party has struggled to attract voters and has gone through leadership uncertainty. In his first press conference as leader in February 2026, Angus Taylor said that his party needed to "change or die".

Ebola outbreak is outpacing response as aid workers strike over pay

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – The world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than efforts to fight it, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday during a visit to Congo where some health workers are striking over a lack of pay.

Queensland Honours Volunteers During National Volunteer Week 2026

The Queensland Government is recognising the vital contribution of volunteers across the State as National Volunteer Week 2026 begins from 18 to 24 May, highlighting the people who dedicate their time to strengthening local communities.

Former Australian radio host Alan Jones on trial for sex charges

SYDNEY (AP) – The trial of a retired Sydney radio broadcaster and former Australian national rugby coach accused of sexual offenses against six men and boys over two decades began on Monday. The 85-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts of indecent assault and two of sexual touching without consent.

Taiwan kicks off annual military drills to counter a potential Chinese attack

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) – Taiwan kicked off annual military exercises Wednesday aimed at simulating a response to a potential Chinese invasion of the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own. The live-fire exercises will test the Taiwanese army’s ability to sustain 24-hour defense operations as well as counter China’s “gray-zone tactics.”

Queensland Unveils New Gambling Harm Plan Backed by $17 Million Funding

The Queensland Government has unveiled a new three-year strategy aimed at reducing gambling-related harm across the state, supported by more than $17 million in annual funding for support programs and services. The Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 focuses on prevention, early intervention and improving access to support for Queenslanders impacted by gambling.

Were the new‑look Commonwealth Games the way of the future?

The new-look Commonwealth Games wrapped up in Glasgow this morning (Australian time) with plenty of questions about the stripped-back format and what the future may hold for the event. The 2026 games were originally awarded to the Australian state of Victoria before it baulked at the costs.

US stocks hit records as profits keep piling up

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market rallied to records on Tuesday as profits kept piling up for companies and as oil prices eased. The S&P 500 shot up 1.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 907 points, or 1.7%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.6%.

Qld Clears Rape Kit DNA Backlog and Accelerates Major Crime Testing

The Queensland Government says it has cleared the backlog of untested sexual assault examination kits inherited from the former Labor Government, while also significantly reducing delays in major crime DNA testing. The milestone marks another step in the State's effort to rebuild confidence in Queensland's forensic system, following widespread concerns over thousands of unprocessed DNA samples.