Yesterday
Western Australia’s GST defence comes with a catch
The wealthy state is determined to stop any changes to its special tax deal, no matter how much the other states complain how it is unfair.
This Month
Sun and subsea cables could make WA a data centre giant: premier
West Australian Premier Roger Cook is hoping his state can cash in on Asia’s burgeoning demand for data storage.
Trump sees China more as an economic rival than a military threat
The US is more inward-looking, more disdainful of multiculturalism and no longer a defender of democratic values. But it still has its eye on China.
NextDC soars; Vic’s $700m surplus; Joe Aston on Corporate Travel
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
‘Years in the making’: Why Chinese warships will keep heading our way
Another Chinese flotilla is moving south, underlining that Beijing’s presence near Australia is no longer an anomaly, but a strategic warning Canberra can’t ignore.
Pentagon flags ‘critical’ deadlines for AUKUS ahead of DC meeting
Richard Marles will meet his defence minister counterparts from the US and UK in Washington next week, as details from the review drop out.
‘Completely supportive’: Marles receives Pentagon’s AUKUS review
News of the review triggered speculation that the Trump administration might push Australia to increase its defence spending or jettison AUKUS altogether.
Prime Defence real estate would sell to developers for billions
Inner Melbourne and Sydney sites, including bases in Mosman and Paddington, could be converted into housing to raise billions for the defence budget.
November
Perth developments stall as soaring construction costs bite
The capital of Western Australia is tipped to experience some of the highest cost escalations in the nation over the next four years.
In Pictures: November 2025
Click through the links to read in-depth about each story these beautiful photos have illustrated by our AFR staff photographers.
Chinese ships highlight our vulnerability to growing aggression
We have forgotten what it feels like to face the visceral prospect of attack. Countries that cannot resist coercion will struggle to defend their interests.
The G2 revival: Trump and Xi to sort out the world’s problems
Australia’s foreign policy is outdated as Donald Trump resurrects the idea of the “G2” and turns his back on the rest of Asia.
WA business warns GST shake-up risks AUKUS, mining sector
Western Australian business heavyweights have warned scrapping the state’s GST deal could have wide-ranging implications for the national economy.
Defence construction surge a risk to other building projects
The commercial building sector, which only grows capacity slowly, has an enormous boost in defence to absorb. Something’s got to give.
The one question that makes Trump squirm more than most
The US president made no mention of Taiwan in a call with Xi Jinping. The US has a policy of strategic ambiguity, but Donald Trump takes it to the next level.
Taiwan asks to join AUKUS, warns on China coercion
The de facto ambassador to Australia has warned that China’s coercive behaviour and military activity in the Pacific should ring alarm bells.
Not just the Ashes: Why Australia and the UK are drifting apart
Even the cricket showdown, which runs until January, will expose the divergence of the two countries. And it’s not just the tactical contrast on the field.
After climate change and immigration, Ley shifts to defence
Coalition leader Sussan Ley is promising a huge boost in defence spending as she attempts to stay on the front foot after a shaky fortnight.
How defence is stealing mining’s thunder as WA’s boom industry
Contractor Rigsafe has spent double its operating budget in the past year pivoting to shipbuilding and defence contracts will soon be a quarter of its business.
Austal chief vows to grill PM over Hanwha decision delay
Paddy Gregg said he intends to ask Anthony Albanese some “blunt questions” about the South Korean company’s bid to up its stake in the Australian shipbuilder.