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
- Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 367
63/100
Factual
58/100
Objective
411
Articles
411
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Jacaranda primes gold and copper discovery push
The article titled 'Jacaranda primes gold and copper discovery push' from The Australian discusses Jacaranda Mining's efforts to advance exploration projects focused on gold and copper deposits. While the headline suggests a positive outlook, the article does not provide specific details about recent discoveries, project progress, or financial implications. It appears to be a brief announcement rather than a detailed report. The lack of substantive content makes it difficult to assess the framing or potential bias. No official sources are cited, and there are no external links provided.
This chart tells you everything you need to know about the downturn in property prices
Australia's housing market is experiencing a significant downturn, with national property values down by 5.2% in September compared to their March peak. This decline has led to concerns about a potential 'freefall' in the market, as highlighted by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor. Using the Domain property price series, the average home price has dropped to levels similar to those from one year prior. The decline is attributed in part to recent property tax reforms introduced in the federal budget, but the market had already been weakening due to rising interest rates starting in February. Experts suggest that the impact of these tax changes on prices will be limited to around 2% over a few years. With the Reserve Bank of Australia continuing to raise interest rates, further price drops are anticipated, potentially reaching 10-15% according to some analysts. While this would represent a larger decline than previous downturns, it would still bring prices back to levels seen in early 2024.
Olivia Dean concert review: The Art of Loving debuts at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena
The article provides a concert review of Olivia Dean's debut performance of her album 'The Art of Loving' at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. The piece highlights the event as a significant milestone in Dean's career, emphasizing the emotional depth and musical quality of her performance. It describes the atmosphere of the venue and the audience's reaction, focusing on the artistic expression rather than any political or controversial elements. The review does not include specific details about the content of the music or lyrics beyond general impressions.
Exes mark the spot at Bowen’s pre-COP
The article discusses the presence of former partners at a pre-COP event hosted by Bowen. It highlights the social dynamics and personal relationships present at such high-profile gatherings, which often include notable figures from various sectors. The focus is on the informal interactions and the significance of these personal connections in the context of major international events like COP. The piece provides insight into the human side of diplomatic and environmental discussions.
Cue stock slashed 50pc as David Jones suppliers demand cash
The article reports that Cue stock has been reduced by 50% due to demands from David Jones suppliers for cash payments. This situation appears to reflect financial pressures within the retail sector, potentially impacting store operations and inventory levels.
Brokers gear up for Firmus retail push as float coverage locks in
The article reports that financial brokers are preparing for a potential retail investment push by Firmus, a company that is currently securing coverage for its upcoming stock flotation. The focus is on the readiness of brokers to support Firmus' entry into the public market, indicating increased interest and activity around the company's planned listing.
Forget Bowen’s pre-COP ‘A-team’ … this mob’s an F-team
The article critiques the Australian government's approach to climate change, suggesting that the current team handling environmental issues is ineffective compared to previous efforts led by former officials. It references 'Bowen’s pre-COP ‘A-team’' as a past group seen as more competent, implying that the current administration is underperforming in addressing climate challenges ahead of international negotiations.
Fear and loathing in Treasury: boss’s order to inform on leakers
The article titled 'Fear and loathing in Treasury: boss’s order to inform on leakers' by The Australian discusses internal tensions within Australia's Treasury department regarding a directive from senior leadership to report on individuals leaking sensitive information. The piece highlights the growing sense of fear and distrust among staff, suggesting that the policy has created a climate of suspicion and ethical conflict. It implies that the requirement to identify and report leakers has led to a breakdown in trust and morale within the department. The focus is on the administrative and cultural impact of such policies rather than any specific incident or legal action.
Details of accused hijack co-pilot’s Melbourne studies revealed
The article reveals new information about Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot accused of hijacking a flydubai flight. According to two Israeli officials, al-Hammami reportedly told interrogators that he had planned the attack prior to being hired. This disclosure adds further detail to the ongoing investigation into the incident, which has raised concerns about aviation security. The revelation suggests that the individual had premeditated his actions and was already employed at the time of the alleged plot. The situation continues to be closely monitored by authorities.
Trump backs ‘Manhattan Project’ for European energy
Former US President Donald Trump has expressed support for a 'Manhattan Project' approach to developing European energy solutions, drawing a parallel to the historic US-led initiative that produced the atomic bomb during World War II. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about Europe's energy security, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions and reliance on Russian energy supplies. Trump's proposal suggests a large-scale, coordinated effort involving significant investment and international collaboration to achieve energy independence. Such a project would likely involve technological innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships among European nations and possibly the United States.
Gillard, Ardern revealed as COP31 speakers amid storm over invites
The article announces that Julia Gillard and Jacinda Ardern have been confirmed as speakers at COP31, the upcoming United Nations climate change conference. It highlights controversy surrounding the selection of invitees, suggesting there has been debate or criticism regarding who was invited to speak. The piece focuses on the political significance of these high-profile leaders being included in the event's lineup.
Sham embryos, trafficked women: Greek fertility clinic trial set to start
The article reports on an upcoming trial in Greece involving a fertility clinic accused of using sham embryos and trafficking women for reproductive services. The case highlights allegations of unethical practices in the fertility industry, including the potential misuse of medical procedures for commercial gain. Authorities are investigating whether the clinic violated laws related to human trafficking and medical fraud. The trial is expected to bring attention to broader issues of regulation and ethics in international fertility treatments.
KPMG still a winner as spending on consultants hits new peak
The article titled 'KPMG still a winner as spending on consultants hits new peak' from The Australian reports that consulting firm KPMG continues to benefit from increased spending on professional services. It highlights that overall expenditure on consultants has reached a record high, suggesting continued demand for expert advice across various sectors. While the piece acknowledges KPMG's strong performance, it does not provide detailed data or specific figures to support the claim. The focus appears to be on broader trends in consultant spending rather than a deep dive into KPMG's financials or market position.