AustraliaOwnership & classification
Founded: 1964
Ownership
The Australian, the country's national broadsheet, was launched by Rupert Murdoch on 15 July 1964 and is published by News Corp Australia, a division of Murdoch's New York-listed News Corp. The Murdoch family controls News Corp through a dual-class share structure, so the masthead sits at the centre of the global Murdoch press empire alongside the company's metropolitan dailies in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin. It ran at a loss for decades but remained a flagship title for Murdoch.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising and a subscription paywall, cross-subsidised within News Corp Australia's larger publishing operation; it takes no state or licence funding.
Affiliation & stance
The Australian has a clearly right-leaning, pro-market editorial stance reflecting News Corp's politics, but it is a privately/commercially owned newspaper with no formal party or state control. Because ownership rests with a listed corporation (controlled by the Murdoch family) rather than a party, union, church or government, the site's INDEPENDENT classification is appropriate.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 328
68/100
Factual
60/100
Objective
450
Articles
450
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
UN: Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting children in Gaza
Auction clearance rates fall to lowest level in six years
UK in limbo as Burnham challenge brings chaos to Starmer cabinet
Greens claw back Butler’s NDIS powers as price for passing negative gearing, CGT overhaul
Government flags risk of relying on Elon Musk's SpaceX and Starlink
The Ukrainians maintain a significant lead over the Russians in drone strikes.
‘So full of life and energy’: Family’s tribute to Coogee shark attack survivor
One Nation’s anti-abortion turn shows MAGA’s creeping power in Australia
‘Kidfluencers’ are everywhere on social media. Should Australia consider the Netherlands’ proposed ban?
Recent coverage
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
Monaco blast suspect is a Ukrainian woman who fled to Germany
The article reports that a suspect in a blast in Monaco is identified as a Ukrainian woman who had fled to Germany. The piece highlights the individual's background and her connection to Germany, suggesting she may have been involved in activities related to the incident. No further details about the nature of the blast, its cause, or any official investigations are provided. The focus appears to be on the suspect’s nationality and migration history rather than on the broader implications of the event.
New fellowship for mid-career journalists honours Judith Whelan
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), The Sydney Morning Herald, and Sydney University have established the Judith Whelan Leadership Fellowship to honor the late journalist Judith Whelan, who passed away from cancer in 2024. Whelan was recognized for her significant contributions to Australian media, particularly her leadership style and efforts to support young women in the industry. The annual fellowship aims to continue her legacy by empowering future female leaders in journalism. Her husband, Chris Henning, praised the collaboration between three institutions she respected, highlighting the initiative's importance in fostering talent among young women. The fellowship includes participation in the Sydney Leadership Accelerator Program and opportunities for additional training. Whelan, who previously held leadership roles at both the Herald and ABC, was known for her kindness and dedication to supporting women in their careers.
Humans rehired after AI fail
An article titled 'Humans rehired after AI fail' from News.com.au discusses instances where artificial intelligence systems have failed, leading to the reinstatement of human workers in certain roles. The piece highlights cases where AI tools were unable to perform tasks effectively or accurately, prompting organizations to revert to human oversight. While the article does not provide specific examples or detailed outcomes, it suggests a growing trend of questioning AI reliability in professional settings. The focus appears to be on the limitations of current AI technology and the ongoing reliance on human judgment.
Australia news LIVE: Pay rises, tax cuts for millions of workers as July 1 changes come into effect; house prices across capital cities suffer biggest fall in four years
The article covers multiple news stories from around the world. It begins with reports on Venezuela, where aid groups warn that the country's healthcare system is under strain due to recent earthquakes. Hospitals are struggling with overcrowding and treating both injured individuals and those suffering from infectious diseases. The situation has worsened as the number of rescue operations has sharply declined over the past few days. Next, the piece discusses anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where demonstrators have taken to the streets demanding that undocumented immigrants leave the country. These protests have led to violence, looting, and the displacement of many foreign nationals. The article then highlights concerns about major consulting firms like PwC and KPMG, with the Australian government proposing regulatory changes to address ethical issues and restore public trust. Finally, there is a brief mention of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remaining silent regarding a cybersecurity incident involving his personal bank account.
Deeming wins stay of execution as Liberal Party delays meeting on her future
Moira Deeming, a Liberal Party candidate in Victoria, has secured a temporary reprieve from potential disendorsement after the party agreed to delay its decision by two weeks. The delay comes as Deeming challenges the party's attempt to remove her due to her refusal to apologize for an unsubstantiated assault allegation against former leader Matthew Guy. Lawyers representing Liberal state president Brian Loughnane assured the Supreme Court that the party would wait until the outcome of Deeming's legal challenge before taking further action. Deeming's legal team argued that the party must provide her with natural justice if it wishes to disendorse her, while the party claims it has already done so by inviting her to present her case at a scheduled executive meeting. If disendorsed, Deeming's political career could effectively end. Meanwhile, Deeming has been considered as a potential candidate for Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, though Hanson has rejected her, citing a lack of integrity.
Ross Garnaut-founded Zen Energy enters administration
Zen Energy, a renewable energy company founded by economist Ross Garnaut, has entered administration. This development indicates financial difficulties facing the company, which may lead to restructuring or liquidation. Garnaut, known for his work on climate change policy in Australia, established Zen Energy with the goal of advancing clean energy solutions. The entry into administration suggests challenges in maintaining operations or securing investment. This event could impact the broader renewable energy sector in Australia.
‘Magnificent experience’: Spain fans celebrate 3-0 win over Austria
The article reports on Spain's 3-0 victory over Austria in a football match, highlighting the positive reaction from Spanish fans who described the game as a 'magnificent experience.' The focus is on the excitement and satisfaction of the fans rather than any deeper analysis of the match or broader implications. No specific context beyond the match result and fan sentiment is provided.
This NSW squad is good enough to win. It’s the starting 13 who are a worry
The article discusses concerns about the New South Wales (NSW) rugby league team's starting lineup ahead of Origin III, noting that while the overall 19-player squad is strong, the selected 13 starters raise worries. Key players like Mitchell Moses, Liam Martin, James Tedesco, and Reece Robson are expected to perform under pressure. Several starters are dealing with injuries, while the bench is highlighted as exceptionally talented, featuring top-tier players such as Cameron Murray, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ethan Strange, and Tolu Koula. The article criticizes the coach, Laurie Daley, for not effectively utilizing the depth of talent on the bench. Additionally, it comments on Cameron Munster's ability to evade detection by referees during matches and speculates on potential coaching changes for the NSW team, mentioning Des Hasler as a possible candidate despite his reluctance. The piece also touches on improvements in NRL refereeing decisions, particularly regarding the 'advantage rule.'
Queensland again changes definition of ‘woman’ – now what?
The article discusses Queensland's ongoing changes to the legal definition of 'woman,' which has sparked debate and confusion among residents and policymakers. This follows previous amendments aimed at aligning the state's laws with evolving social and legal standards regarding gender identity. The current change raises questions about consistency, clarity, and the implications for various sectors such as healthcare, education, and sports. Stakeholders are calling for more transparency and public consultation to ensure that any modifications reflect broader societal values and legal principles.
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to temporarily halt attacks in the Persian Gulf and resume negotiations over the dispute regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The deal was confirmed by an American official, raising hopes for a temporary ceasefire. According to the official, technical discussions will continue on all points of the 14-point understanding agreement reached on June 17, which outlines the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for free shipping and the continuation of diplomatic dialogue. American media report that the next round of negotiations is expected to take place on Monday in Qatar, according to Reuters. The latest escalation began after an Iranian missile struck a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. Following the incident, Washington and Tehran accused each other of violating the temporary ceasefire agreed upon on June 17. On Sunday morning, Iran launched missiles and drones against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain shortly after President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face severe consequences if it did not respect the agreement to stop hostilities. The US military announced new strikes against Iranian targets several hours后
Climate change will raise the risk of severe heatwaves. NZ homes aren’t ready
The article discusses the increasing frequency and intensity of severe heatwaves due to climate change, citing examples from Europe and South Asia. It highlights how New Zealand, despite its mild climate, is projected to face significant temperature rises by the end of the century, particularly in cities like Auckland and Christchurch. The piece examines the implications for New Zealand's housing and electricity systems, noting that current home designs are not suited for extreme heat. Research suggests that without adequate adaptation measures, such as improved insulation and increased use of air conditioning, there could be serious health risks and strain on the power grid, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities.
Why I’m fleeing Britain with my family for Australia
The article titled 'Why I’m fleeing Britain with my family for Australia' published by The Australian discusses personal reasons prompting a family's decision to move from the United Kingdom to Australia. The piece focuses on individual experiences and motivations rather than presenting comprehensive data or policy analysis. It highlights concerns related to living conditions, societal changes, and quality of life in Britain, suggesting these factors influence the decision to relocate. While the article provides insight into personal choices, it does not offer broader statistical evidence or expert commentary to support the claims made. The narrative centers on the author’s perspective, offering a subjective account rather than an objective examination of the issue.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
