Can Australia's youth social media ban work?

When Australia's government decided to implement a world-first national youth social media ban, it was pitched as an antidote to a growing mental health crisis. It followed intense debate about the dangers of social media, much articulated in the book, …

5 reasons why wind farms are costing more in Australia – and what to do about it

Building a solar farm in Australia is getting about 8% cheaper each year as panel prices fall and technology improves, according to an official new report. Battery storage costs are falling even more sharply, dropping 20% over the past year alone. But the …

Fears for South Australia’s annual cuttlefish gathering amid deadly algal bloom

As thousands of giant cuttlefish gather in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, scientists are investigating emergency actions amid fears the state’s toxic algal bloom could be catastrophic for the globally unique natural phenomenon. The spectacular annual …

Big tech says AI could boost Australia’s economy by $115 billion a year. Does the evidence stack up?

AI is on the agenda in Canberra. In August, the Productivity Commission will release an interim report on harnessing data and digital technology such as AI “to boost productivity growth, accelerate innovation and improve government services”. Shortly …

‘Provocative in a good way’: John Hirst was a rigorous historian, independent thinker and passionate believer in ...

I first read John Hirst (1942-2016) as an undergraduate in the late 1990s as part of a subject on 19th-century Australian history. We discussed convict history and explored contrasting views about its role and function in the early colonies. What was life …

Lions make two changes for final Australia test

SYDNEY :British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has made only two changes to his starting team for final test against Australia on Saturday, when the tourists will be looking to seal a 3-0 series sweep. Farrell has resisted the temptation to give …

New 40cm-long species of stick insect suspected to be the heaviest insect in Australia – video

The new species, named Acrophylla alta, was found in the high altitudes of the Atherton tablelands in North Queensland – and scientists said the habitat could be part of the reason for its large size. A peer-reviewed study about the discovery, published in …

Kinghorn and Ryan to start in final Lions Test against Australia

Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan have been named to start for the British & Irish Lions in their third Test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday as Andy Farrell’s side seek to wrap up a series whitewash. Kinghorn is selected on the left wing with …

Australia, UK leaders discuss Gaza amid Palestinian state recognition plans

Nic White called on to inspire Australia for third Lions Test in Sydney

The Wallabies will take inspiration from retiring scrum-half Nic White as they seek to avoid a series whitewash in the third Test against the British & Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday. The veteran announced on Thursday he would retire from …