Nicholas Mcelroy
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Articles by Nicholas Mcelroy
Coalition labels review of 2025 election a 'hyper-partisan witch-hunt'
The Coalition has launched an extraordinary attack on one of parliament's top committees, labelling its treatment of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church a "hyper-partisan witch-hunt". A group of opposition politicians on the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters have accused the government of using the inquiry into last year's election as a "political weapon", undermining its status as a bipartisan committee focused on administering elections.
Ernst and Young staff allegedly access Anthony Albanese's private banking information
Two Ernst and Young employees allegedly accessed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's personal banking information while working for the accounting firm at the Commonwealth Bank. The Australian Federal Police said the Sydney pair were charged with privacy offences in May after the bank allegedly identified that they accessed restricted information belonging to a federal politician. The men, aged 21 and 25, have been charged with a count each of accessing restricted data without authorisation.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers promises to 'fix' property tax oversight to protect widows and divorcees
The issue of widows and divorcees missing out on negative gearing advantages was identified last week. It was found that a death or divorce could nullify the favourable tax treatment because it would be considered a change of ownership.
Federal politics live: Rush to pass CGT, negative gearing overhaul 'farcical': Pocock
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has also been out and about this morning, following confirmation a second bird has tested positive to the H5 bird flu. Speaking with ABC's News Breakfast, she assures Australia is "well prepared" to tackle the arrival of the virus. "This is obviously concerning but not unexpected," she says, reiterating the virus has not infiltrated our poultry system.
Parliament to adjourn so politicians can attend official opening of Australian War Memorial extension
Australia's parliament will finish early today so politicians can attend the official opening of a hall that is part of the controversial $550 million extension to the Australian War Memorial (AWM). The official opening of ANZAC Hall, led by an address by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is the latest in several staged openings as part of the extension.
Business says Labor's tax changes like a celebrity with 'too much plastic surgery'
Business has labelled Labor's budget tax overhaul a "freak show", saying its proposed changes are like an American celebrity who has had too much plastic surgery. The federal government unveiled capital gains tax carve-outs for small businesses and startups yesterday, following five weeks of post-budget backlash. The details are still being determined, but Labor is proposing an innovative business exemption for startups that meet certain strict criteria backed up by business records.
Federal politics live: Jim Chalmers says Labor has lost 'political paint' from budget as he defends backdown
Mark Butler has appeared on Channel Seven for his regular Friday morning spot, this time with Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson. The health minister has defended the changes announced yesterday as "sensible" and still retain its original intention of tax reform. Labor backed down on some key measures in May's budget on capital gains tax and testamentary trusts yesterday.
Pauline Hanson's views on paid parental leave outdated and concerning, advocates say
Pauline Hanson's openness to discuss a winding back of paid parental leave is concerning and harks back to an Australia that no longer exists, advocates say. The One Nation leader questioned "why should business pay [parents] if they're not at work?" while challenging the pay gap between men and women in her speech at the National Press Club this week. The party is willing to consider pulling back paid parental leave, though it has not finalised its policy on workplace relations.
KPMG referred to anti-corruption watchdog amid three-month freeze on Commonwealth contracts
KPMG is facing a three-month freeze on new federal government contracts amid a worsening scandal over the treatment of a whistleblower, with the Greens now referring the beleaguered company to the national anti-corruption watchdog. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the government was "very concerned" with allegations that KPMG misused confidential client information from a private company and mistreated a whistleblower.
Inquiry examining NDIS spending cuts told 240,000 people would exit the scheme
More than 240,000 people would exit the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) over four years, according to modelling as part of a plan to cut spending on the multi-billion-dollar program. Health Minister Mark Butler said in April the federal government overhaul of the NDIS would result in 160,000 fewer people on the scheme by 2031 compared to today.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor rules out carving up seats with One Nation as party raises $1.6m in one day
Opposition leader Angus Taylor has ruled out the Coalition carving up target seats at the next federal election with One Nation as Pauline Hanson's "Fire the Liar" fundraiser brings in $1.6 million in a day. Liberal frontbencher Tony Pasin has told The Australian newspaper the party could work "hand in glove" with One Nation to target seats each party had a chance of winning from Labor.
Anthony Albanese 'very worried' about human and global economic impacts of Iran war escalation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is "very worried" about fresh US strikes on Iran and has highlighted the difficulties for global markets responding to President Donald Trump's repeated peace deal announcements. It comes as the US said it had ordered fresh strikes on Iran which it described as "proportional response to unjustified Iranian aggression" after an American helicopter was downed while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. The two crew members were rescued from the water.
Greens question whether Jim Chalmers could exempt homeowners in his electorate from CGT changes
The Greens have seized upon powers within the government's signature tax reform bill, questioning whether it allows the treasurer to exempt home owners in his Queensland electorate. While the party has indicated it is willing to help Labor pass the tax laws — which includes changes to negative gearing, the capital gains tax (CGT) discount, trusts and the $250 tax offset — by early July, the Greens hold concerns about the specifics contained within the bill.
PM says Australia has 'ideological disagreement' with Trump administration after US reveals anti-slavery tariff
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia has an "ideological disagreement" with the United States, after the US revealed a plan to impose a 12.5 per cent tariff on exported goods from the junior ally. The new tariff is planned to be slapped on dozens of countries for allegedly failing to take action to prevent slavery and forced labour.
Falling house prices bring relief for some while a financial nightmare for others
Meg Girdler went all in to buy her small Sydney apartment near the peak of the market in December last year. The 46-year-old believes her house is now worth less than she paid for it and was at risk of slipping into negative equity, meaning her Marrickville home would be worth less than what she owes the bank. "I just wanted a home and some stability, so yeah, it's a bit scary," Ms Girdler said.
Labor MP who unseated Peter Dutton defends electoral commission referral over empty block
The federal Labor MP who unseated Peter Dutton has defended her electoral registration to an empty block of land, saying she plans to move back into the address once her home is rebuilt. Dickson MP Ali France has been referred to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) by an opposition senator with claims she is registered to vote at a vacant suburban block in her north Brisbane electorate.
NACC boss Paul Brereton resigns, amid pressure over misconduct, defence ties
The National Anti-Corruption Commission's chief commissioner Paul Brereton has resigned from his role three years into a five year term, saying the public focus on him personally was distracting from the body's role. Mr Brereton, who became the organisation's inaugural commissioner in 2023, was found in 2024 to have engaged in officer misconduct in his role as head of the NACC. He has since faced pressure over his defence connections, with the NACC inspector launching an inquiry into the issues.
Central and southern Queensland brace for more rain as tropical low tracks south
Queensland's south-east could expect additional falls of up to 150mm today, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, as much of the state remains on flood watch. Tropical low-pressure system 29U crossed the far north Queensland coast on Friday and has drenched much of the state as it travelled south.
Burleigh Heads the 'end of the line' as Gold Coast light rail's final stage canned
A long time ago, Sydney virtually stopped building public transport infrastructure. When it resumed, retrofitting the city was painful and expensive, according to Bond University urban planning researcher Daniel O'Hare. "It's been so much more expensive because they waited," Dr O'Hare said.
Human trial aiming to repair spinal cord damage opens to applicants in Australia
Griffith University researchers intend to transplant cells from the noses of paralysed patients into their spinal cords in a medical trial. The aim is for the cells to regenerate and grow over the injuries. Organisers will select 30 people to take part in the trial, with applications opening today. Taylor Peet would love nothing more than to make a meal standing on her own two feet.
Australian actor and original Play School presenter Donald MacDonald dead at 86
Australian actor Donald MacDonald, who was one of the first Play School presenters, has died at the age of 86. MacDonald, who performed in Australia and the United Kingdom, died of cancer on the Gold Coast in the early hours of Monday. Cousin and fellow actor Paula Duncan said she would never forget MacDonald's storytelling ability, comedic flair and impeccable sense of timing. "Donald was like a big brother to me — I grew up with him and he helped train me," she said.
Erosion on Gold Coast beaches could take three years to recover from Cyclone Alfred Original
By Nicholas McElroy, ABC It is the last line of defence for properties on the Gold Coast - and high tides keep crashing against it. Three months after Cyclone Alfred hit the the coast, parts of the city's "A-Line" rock wall remain exposed. Beach walkers and residents on the northern Gold Coast say they cannot see it being fixed in a hurry. "It's just ruined the beaches, the high tide comes right up to the wall," said Main Beach resident Rod Clutton.
Final report into fatal Sea World helicopter crash released by Australian Transport Safety Bureau
The final report into the Sea World helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of four people, has found a faulty radio antenna contributed to the collision. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report, released today, has highlighted a series of safety issues contributing to the crash that also injured nine others on the Gold Coast in 2023. Live updates, reactions and contributions from ABC readers.
One in five Gold Coast Norfolk pines assessed so far to be destroyed in wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Council assessments have so far deemed 50 Norfolk Island pines as dangerous on the Gold Coast after Tropical Cyclone Alfred. They will be removed and the timber from the damaged trees will be turned into woodchips. A city councillor says early talks are underway to replace the trees that will be cut down. A fifth of all Norfolk Island pines assessed on the Gold Coast in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred so far have been deemed unsafe and will be destroyed.
Power restored to 90pc of Queensland homes after ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
It's been almost a week since ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred lashed the east coast but thousands remain without power. More than 33,000 properties remain without power across south-east Queensland, with about half of the outages on the Gold Coast. Crews have already restored power to 400,000 homes and businesses impacted by the cyclone, according to Energex spokesman Danny Donald. "Ninety per cent of cyclone affected south-east Queensland homes now have their lights back on," Mr Donald said.
Queenslanders yet to get power restored from Cyclone Alfred 'down in the dumps'
Rivers continue to recede and all emergency alerts have been cancelled as the east coast shifts into recovery mode following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Queensland's State Emergency Service fielded another 1,300 tasks in the last 24 hours up to Tuesday morning, while the Queensland Fire Department received no calls for rescues during the same period.
Heavy rainfall set to ease in wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred as flooding threat remains
Showers are expected to ease across sodden south-east Queensland as several flood warnings remain in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred, according to the weather bureau. It comes as Brisbane recorded its highest daily rainfall total in more than half a century, with flooding impacting the Lockyer Valley region, including Ipswich. Major flood warnings remain in place for the Bremer River and Warrill Creek in Brisbane's west, and the Logan River in Brisbane's south.
Warnings of $16k fines as spectators flock to witness power of Tropical Cyclone Alfred
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued towards south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales it was hard for many to resist a trip to the beach. Car parks filled up and dog walkers hit the pavement early as the delayed arrival of Alfred gave people more time to get outdoors than they expected. Spectators have been drawn to watch the huge swell pounding the coastline. Conditions are deteriorating as the storm approaches and fewer surfers are entering the water.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred brings flooding fears along Gold Coast's 400km canal network
There are 400 kilometres of canals on the Gold Coast – more than in Venice or Amsterdam – and thousands of residents living along them are expected to face the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. In a worst-case scenario, City of Gold Coast modelling suggests the potential flooding and storm surge could impact more than 6,000 properties across the city. "They're talking about a storm surge of up to about 500 millimetres," Runaway Bay resident John Hart said.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred forecast to turn towards southern Queensland coast from Tuesday
Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall this week, bringing strong winds, tidal surges, heavy rainfall and the potential for "life-threatening" flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology is warning the category two system could cross the coast between Bundaberg and northern NSW on Thursday. The cyclone is currently about 465 kilometres north-east of Brisbaneand tracking south-east at 13 kilometres per hour.
Dogs that fatally mauled meter reader Kane Minion rushed other worker, court hears
Two dogs rushed at a worker on a Queensland property a week before a meter reader was mauled to death, according to evidence to be tended to a coronial inquiry. Kane Minion, 42, was working for Energy Queensland in December 2022 when he was mauled to death by dogs on an acreage at Greenbank in Logan. A five-day coronial inquest is scheduled to be held in October to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of the experienced meter reader.
The city that's spent 60 years effectively rebuilding a rail line it ripped up
Some people find Melbourne's failure to build a train line to its international airport to be a little humiliating. The giant car park outside the airport at Tullamarine is a mockery of Melbourne's tram-lined streets, says urban historian Peter Spearritt. "Think of the embarrassment, where they still don't have a train from the Melbourne Tullamarine airport ... it's ridiculous," he said.
Gold Coast spends 60 years rebuilding rail line it ripped up
5 hours ago 80 startups shortlisted for BioAsia Eighty startups, from among more than 700 that applied, have been shortlisted by a panel of experts from industries and academia, to showcase their … 2 days ago The Formula for a Happy Life: Balancing Autonomy and Connection William von Hippel taught for a dozen years at Ohio State University before becoming a professor of psychology at the University of Queensland.
Stepson to face murder trial after mummified body found in family home
A man who allegedly sedated his stepfather and left him to die, keeping his rotting corpse in his bed for more than a year, has been committed to stand trial for his murder. Police discovered the mummified remains of 69-year-old Tomislav Nemes at the family's waterfront Gold Coast home after they were called by interstate relatives to conduct a welfare check in April 2023.
Last stage of Gold Coast light rail project could be replaced by buses
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says he's open to being persuaded about using buses for the final stage of the light rail system. Previous government reports suggest "rapid transit buses" would be slower and have a shorter life span. Two state government departments are reviewing the project. The final stage of the Gold Coast's multi-billion dollar light rail line could end up being serviced by "rapid transit buses".
Claims of 'alarming' cost blowouts leave Queensland rail projects at risk
Two of Queensland’s biggest rail projects are in the crosshairs of the new LNP government following sensational comments from the deputy premier. Jarrod Bleijie has thrown doubt on the promise he made during the election campaign to extend a rail line to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He seized on a submission to the government's 100-day Games review that claimed the cost of the project could blow out from $12 billion to more than $20b.
Gold Coast unit explodes in flames as hot e-scooter battery put in freezer
A unit has exploded into flames on the Gold Coast, with one man climbing off a balcony to safety. Authorities say the fire started when a man tried to cool an overheating lithium-ion battery from an e-scooter in a freezer. Firefighters say the batteries are increasingly causing building fires and people need to be more aware of the danger. A fire has ripped through a Gold Coast apartment after a resident tried to cool an overheating e-scooter battery in a freezer.
Surfing's world tour may not miss Stephanie Gilmore like it will John John Florence
We are about to find out what happens when you take two of surfing's biggest names away from the peak of their sport. Will the World Surf League's competition be poorer for it? Or does this open the door for a new generation? Stephanie Gilmore will not be pulling on a jersey when the world tour kicks off in Hawaii this week. With a record eight world titles, the Australian is the most decorated woman ever to do so. It will also be her second consecutive year away from surfing's "dream tour".
Turf club damage ahead of Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival intentional, police say
Police say the poisoning of a horse racing track, which derailed Queensland's richest race carnival, was intentional. Gold Coast Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said investigations had ruled out accidental damage to the Gold Coast Turf Club earlier this month. The section of track leading into the home straight was discovered a day before the opening racing event of the week-long Magic Millions carnival.
Queensland police responding to reported assault at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast
Queensland police are responding to reports of an assault at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast where three people have been injured. Officers say they are searching for those involved in the reported attack at the Coomera theme park at about 3.20pm. Paramedics are treating three patients at the scene who appear to be in a stable condition. Police say they believe there is no threat to the public and are due to share more information shortly.
Police identify poison used in Gold Coast Magic Millions track damage
Testing of a horseracing track poisoned ahead of Queensland's richest race day has uncovered ingredients found in a common weed killer, police say. The opening races of the Gold Coast's week-long Magic Millions carnival were moved to the Sunshine Coast after damage to the track was discovered earlier this month. Police say there are no still suspects in the high-profile investigation and a lack of CCTV of the damaged track may hamper the search for answers.
Poison may have damaged Gold Coast Magic Millions racetrack, police say
Damage to a horseracing track that has put the Magic Millions' main race under a cloud may have been caused by poison early last week, police say. Investigations continue into the damage at the end of the track that saw the opening day of the carnival relocated to the Sunshine Coast due to safety concerns. Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said officers were reviewing security camera footage and interviewing staff to determine whether there had been any unauthorised access onto the site. Loading...
Venue for Gold Coast Magic Millions' main race day unclear as activists deny track damage
Investigations continue after damage to part of the Gold Coast racetrack where the city's Magic Millions usually takes place. Horse rights activist says protesters are not responsible, while the carnival's first meet was moved to the Sunshine Coast yesterday. It remains unclear where the main day of the Magic Millions carnival, on January 11, will be held.
Gold Coast Magic Millions race meeting moved to Sunshine Coast as police investigate racetrack damage
Detectives are investigating damage to the Bundall racetrack, which has forced the relocation of the first day of racing in the highly anticipated Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival. Police said they received a report about 7pm Friday that a large area of the racetrack had "sustained damage". Due to safety concerns, tonight's start of the Magic Millions carnival — a twilight race meeting — will be moved to the Sunshine Coast Turf Club, a two-hour drive away.
Gold Coast outpaces capital city home price growth. Is it sustainable?
Gold Coast property prices have been red hot since the pandemic. CoreLogic data suggests Gold Coast property prices have outpaced every Australian capital city over the past five years. The 80.7 per cent growth in this period is ahead of Brisbane's 71.2 per cent rise to become the nation's second most expensive capital behind Sydney.
Man denied bail after alleged gel blaster and arson attack on Surfers Paradise massage parlour
A man accused of trying and failing to rob a massage parlour with a gel blaster before returning with jerry cans filled with fuel and setting fire to the business has been denied bail. Quentin Troy Hall, 41, allegedly visited the Surfers Paradise establishment called Asian Care 4 U Massage with a gel blaster about 6:30pm on Thursday after an earlier disagreement. The Surfers Paradise resident allegedly demanded money from a woman and a 68-year-old man who owns the business.
Schoolies will have access to potentially life-saving pill testing on the Gold Coast
Schoolies celebrations can be a first taste of independence for school-leavers and an anxious time for parents. This year a pill testing service will be available at Schoolies on the Gold Coast, which starts on Saturday. Let's take a look at what it all means. Pill testing is a health response that aims to reduce the harms that come with taking illicit drugs. Basically, experts check what illicit substances are made up of and share that information with the people who plan to take the pills.
Queensland plans to imprison children like adults by Christmas. Here's how that could happen
Queensland's new premier is making good on a pre-election promise to introduce laws to imprison children who commit "adult crimes" to "adult time" with legislation being drafted right now. It might be helpful to start with a hypothetical. The minimum age of criminal responsibility in Queensland is 10 years old. So, under these new laws, a 10-year-old who commits murder will be subject to life imprisonment. In Queensland, that is a non-parole period of 20 years behind bars. Loading...
LNP candidate Bianca Stone concedes to Labor's Meaghan Scanlon in hotly contested Gold Coast seat
Television reporter turned state political candidate Bianca Stone has conceded defeat in the tightly contested Gold Coast seat of Gaven. The LNP candidate has been in a close race against Labor's Meaghan Scanlon since Saturday's Queensland state election. Fewer than 400 votes separate the pair with roughly 80 per cent of votes counted, but Ms Stone said she had called Ms Scanlon to concede defeat.
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