Houses, town water supply sold in mining mega‑deal A $5.8 billion mega-coal mining deal has all but put a town up for sale, handing the new owner the mines, hundreds of homes and crucial community services. AAP · May 19
FED:Concern grows as contaminated alcohol hits bottle shops Suspected illicit alcohol is being sold by bottle shops across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, exposing consumers to serious health issues. AAP · May 19
‘Biggest diphtheria outbreak’ in decades spreads into Queensland, SA and WA Health minister Mark Butler says vaccines are being rushed into NT communities, with one suspected death The Guardian - AU · May 19
The effectiveness of private prisons is debatable – why does Australia have so many? This month, the South Australian government extended a contract with a private firm to manage a men’s prison in Adelaide for another five years, despite a damning report about its operations. The Conversation · May 19
AAP · May 19 Maroons debutant Fifita has star union dad to thank Queensland debutant Jojo Fifita followed his rugby union star father around the world, but it was dad's advice to join Gold Coast that changed his life.
The Conversation · May 19 The Making of One Nation: podcast out now From a fish and chip shop in regional Queensland to the heart of Australian politics: our new podcast series tracks the unlikely story of the country’s most controversial minor party.
AAP · May 19 Woman killed, dozens of teens rescued in flood chaos A month's worth of rain has hit some regions over 36 hours, with the wild weather leading to a fatal road crash and the rescue of stranded students at a camp.
AAP · May 18 Concern grows as contaminated alcohol hits bottle shops Suspected illicit alcohol is being sold by bottle shops across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, exposing consumers to serious health issues.
AAP · May 18 From Alf's field of dreams to Walker's seven heaven Sam Walker started his rugby league journey in Ipswich where Allan Langer once ruled the roost so it is fitting he now gets to wear the Queensland No.7 jersey.
AAP · May 18 Slater expects Origin to get no special ruck privileges Queensland coach Billy Slater is expecting the State of Origin series to be refereed like the NRL, with no leniency in the ruck interpretations.
The Conversation · May 17 One Nation gains in polls as budget is poorly received in Newspoll In three credible post-budget polls, One Nation is up one to three points, with their victory at the May 9 Farrer byelection probably also contributing. Labor took a hit in Freshwater and Resolve, but not Newspoll.
AAP · May 17 'Chills': Slater backs Walker as Walsh shock explained Queensland will field a new-look spine and a suite of debutants in the State of Origin opener while remaining loyal to last year's series-winning stars.
AAP · May 17 Labor defends budget tax changes despite critical polls Labor insists it's taking the right approach to tax reform despite a majority of Australians saying the latest budget will leave them worse off.
AAP · May 17 Kalyn Ponga would 'play anywhere' for Queensland Kalyn Ponga was as surprised as anyone to have his name linked with Queensland's halfback vacancy for the State of Origin opener.
The Guardian - AU · May 16 Two high-profile Liberals defect to One Nation – as it happened This blog is now closed