ABC News Top Stories
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Listen to the latest big and breaking stories across the day.
Episodes
- Broken promises expected in federal budget | ABC News Top Stories
This episode covers expected federal budget announcements, including potential broken promises on property taxes. It also discusses falling Australian shares, rising oil prices, and government pressure to address the hospital bed block iss…
- What is capital gains tax and negative gearing?
This episode explores capital gains tax and negative gearing in the context of proposed changes to federal housing taxation policy.
- What can we expect from this year’s federal budget?
This episode explores the factors influencing the 2026-27 federal budget, including oil shocks, inflation, interest rate hikes, and proposed tax reforms.
- ABC News
This episode of ABC News Top Stories provides the latest news updates from ABC News.
- What is hantavirus and how serious is the cruise ship outbreak?
This episode provides details on a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has resulted in three deaths and at least eight infections among passengers and crew. It also covers the international response and the status of A…
- What's next for the returning 'ISIS brides' and their children
This episode of ABC News Top Stories examines the return of women and children linked to Islamic State fighters to Australia and the resulting political controversy.
- Will gas bills go down under an east coast gas reserve?
The federal government plans to implement a 20% East Coast gas reserve to decrease gas prices and reduce Australia's dependence on international markets. This new scheme is set to begin in the middle of next year, similar to an existing on…
- ISIS-linked families land in Australia | ABC News Top Stories
Two flights carrying Australian women and children linked to ISIS have landed in Australia. Some of these individuals face potential charges of terrorism and crimes against humanity.
- What next steps for returning 'ISIS brides' and their children
The return of women and children with links to Islamic State fighters to Australia has caused a political storm. This episode discusses the next steps for these returnees.
- Productivity losses hitting younger generations hardest
This episode discusses how productivity losses are disproportionately impacting younger generations. It notes that intergenerational fairness is a key theme ahead of the upcoming budget.
- CNN founder and pioneer of rolling news dies aged 87
CNN founder Ted Turner has died at the age of 87. He was known for pioneering 24-hour news coverage, which reshaped news consumption.
- Man arrested over swastika shirt | ABC News Top Stories
A man was arrested in Sydney for allegedly wearing a swastika shirt near the antisemitism Royal Commission. Additionally, children from an ISIS-linked cohort are returning to Australia, and Donald Trump has paused plans to guide ships thro…
- Labor axes funding for $45b inland rail
The federal government has stopped funding for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project. This decision was made due to concerns that the project's cost could exceed $45 billion.
- More stress for mortgage holders after rate rise
The latest interest rate rise, described as "necessary pain" by the Reserve Bank governor, is expected to increase stress for mortgage holders.
- Labor pledges $74m to combat 'online terrorists'
The federal government plans to spend $74 million over the next two years to establish a national Counter Terrorism Online Centre. This initiative aims to combat youth radicalisation.
- The Met Gala's controversies and fashion statements
The Met Gala, a New York museum fundraiser, is discussed, focusing on its controversies and fashion statements. Celebrities and billionaires attended the event.
- Jefferson Lewis excused from first court appearance since 5yo's death
Jefferson Lewis, accused of murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, has been excused from appearing in court in the Northern Territory.
- Experts urge caution as parents track adult children
This episode discusses location tracking apps used by parents on their adult children. It covers how some young adults feel stifled by this practice even after turning 18.
- What's expected in next week's federal budget?
The federal budget will be handed down next Tuesday, outlining the government's revenue and spending for the next four years. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has flagged a taxation shake-up as part of this budget.
- US attempts to clear Hormuz
The US military has begun an operation to help vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amidst an uneasy ceasefire between the US and Iran, with reports of US forces destroying Iranian boats and intercepting drones and missiles. Me…
- Dialysis units forced to ration lifesaving care
A new report indicates that dialysis units in Australia and New Zealand are being forced to ration lifesaving care for patients suffering from kidney failure.
- Kumanjayi Little Baby remembered in parade of pink
Crowds at the Alice Springs Bangtail Muster festival honored Kumanjayi Little Baby by wearing pink. The Northern Territory is grieving the loss of the five-year-old girl.
- Lawn mower racing sweeps Australia
Lawn mower racing is a motorsport that has gained popularity in Australian country towns. The All-Australian Championships recently brought together racers despite the nation's fuel crisis.
- Trump vows to escort ships across Hormuz Strait
US President Donald Trump has announced "Project Freedom" to escort international ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Jewish Australians give evidence to antisemitism royal commission
Public hearings have begun in the antisemitism royal commission. The daughter of one of the Bondi terror attack victims gave evidence.
- Public hearings start at Antisemitism Royal Commission
Public hearings are commencing at the Antisemitism Royal Commission in Sydney. Individuals will be sharing their lived experiences during these hearings.
- Kumanjayi Little Baby's family calls for politicians to show respect
The family of Kumanjayi Little Baby is asking politicians to respect their "sorry business" as they mourn the death of the 5-year-old girl.
- One Nation Nepean result sounds alarm for major parties
In the Nepean by-election, the Liberals retained the seat. One Nation's primary vote increased to 24 percent.
- Family of allegedly murdered 5yo calls for calm in Alice Springs
The Alice Springs community is grieving after police found a body believed to be that of missing five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. The child went missing from a home in Old Timers/Ilyperenye Aboriginal town camp.
- Calls for calm in Alice Springs after arrest of 5yo girl's alleged killer
This episode reports on the unrest in Alice Springs after an arrest. A crowd gathered outside Alice Springs Hospital following the arrest of Jefferson Lewis.
- Calls for calm in NT after alleged killer's arrest sparks violence
This episode of ABC News Top Stories discusses the unrest in Alice Springs following an arrest. Authorities have called for calm in the area.
- Are property prices slowing?
National home prices experienced their slowest growth in over a year during April, with a rise of 0.3 percent. This episode discusses current trends in the property market.
- Police relocate 5yo's alleged killer after violence in Alice Springs
Police relocated the alleged killer of a 5-year-old girl after violence erupted in Alice Springs. Community members are calling for the man to face traditional law.
- Body believed to be missing 5yo girl found in Alice Springs
Northern Territory Police report finding a body thought to be a missing five-year-old girl from Alice Springs. This episode covers the details of the discovery.
- People know location of 5yo's suspected abductor: NT police
Northern Territory Police indicate that some community members know the whereabouts of the man suspected of abducting a five-year-old girl in Alice Springs.
- El Niño warming could be unprecedented
The Pacific Ocean's rapid warming points to a potential "Super El Niño" event, which could result in a record-breaking weather phenomenon. Australia faces a warm and dry second half of 2026 due to this impending event.
- Will the federal budget focus on fuel?
The federal budget is expected to focus on fuel security due to the current global oil crisis, as stated by the Prime Minister.
- Meta slams Australia's news bargaining payment plan
Meta has attacked the Australian government's threat to tax tech giants for news content. The plan would see Meta, Google, and TikTok taxed just over 2% of their Australian revenue.
- Booing at Anzac Day services condemned widely
During Anzac Day services, senior Indigenous veterans faced booing while delivering a Welcome to Country. This behavior has drawn widespread condemnation.
- Trump defends security detail after shooting
Donald Trump has defended his security team after they stopped an armed gunman who opened fire near a checkpoint at the White House Correspondent's Dinner. This episode discusses the event and the security measures taken.
- Three week extension for Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon have extended their ceasefire by three weeks following ambassador-level talks at the White House. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah group was not included in these discussions.
- Anxiety remains over NDIS cuts
This episode discusses the mixed reactions to the overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, an announcement made by Health Minister Mark Butler.
- Fuel costs bite Uber and Qantas
Uber and Qantas are experiencing price pressures due to rising fuel costs in Australia. This episode discusses the impact on these businesses.
- Death toll in Lebanon climbs above 300
Lebanon is dealing with a rising death toll after recent bombardments in its capital, Beirut. This comes as the United States and Iran prepare for high-level negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz expected to be a key topic of discussion.
- Energy experts call for better crisis planning
Energy experts are urging the government to plan for future energy crises. This episode discusses the need for better crisis preparedness in the energy sector.
- How involved is Pine Gap in the US strikes against Iran?
This episode discusses concerns among Alice Springs residents regarding the use of intelligence from Pine Gap in US strikes against Iran and Lebanon. Experts offer differing views on Australia's role.
- War of rhetoric ramps up around Middle East conflict
This episode discusses the escalating rhetoric around the Middle East conflict, including US actions and warnings from Iran regarding protests.
- Australian ADF assets head to Middle East
Australia is sending military assets and personnel to the Middle East. This deployment aims to help defend Gulf nations from attacks by Iran.
- Iranian civilians living in fear of bombardment
According to a human rights group, nearly 800 Iranians have been killed in the war. Israel and the US have launched fresh assaults on the country.