Australian shares close lower as banks and miners drag
September continues to be a challenging month for Australia's share market which is heading towards a third straight week of losses.
Economy, Business and Finance
ADNOC-led consortium abandons $A28b Santos takeover bid
An Abu Dhabi-led consortium has withdrawn its blockbuster bid to buy Australian gas producer Santos.
NRL star set to fight drug and betting charges in court
Star NRL player Brandon Smith will plead not guilty to drug supply and betting charges when he faces court for the first time, his lawyer says.
Offshore wind fees slashed to counter global headwinds
Fees to research and build offshore wind farms in Australia will be cut for two years after global uncertainty and the collapse of several local projects.
‘It starts to hurt a lot’: big toll of deaths, manhunt
As the manhunt for an accused killer enters a fourth week, a relief package for businesses impacted by the search will be a drop in the ocean for many.
A-League captain allegedly exploited ties in bet scam
Former Macarthur Bulls soccer players who deliberately picked up yellow cards have pointed the finger at their captain for exploiting their relationship.
Coal ‘crisis’: hundreds of jobs cut, mine mothballed
A mining giant has been labelled "un-Australian" by a state government for cutting hundreds of jobs and mothballing one of its oldest sites.
Approvals turbocharged in bid to tackle housing crisis
Longstanding, complicated planning processes will be swept aside in an effort to build more homes faster in a state that's fighting to keep young families.
Retail shares and miners weigh on Australian shares
Australian shares have more than wiped this week's gains ahead of a key US interest rate decision, with most local sectors trading lower.
‘Wall of liquidity’ may boost shares even further
Pinnacle Investment Management's chief investment strategist says interest rate cuts and strong economic fundamentals are strong tailwinds for equities.
Trump calls Albanese ‘a good man’ after latest call
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has now had four "really warm" conversations with Donald Trump as the US president praised him for being a "good man".
Landlord jailed over fatal tenant attack after disputes
A landlord who lost his temper after long running disputes and attacked his tenant at an industrial complex has been jailed for manslaughter.
Senior drivers targeted in flood of fake online reports
Rumours the federal government is introducing new laws targeting mature drivers including a night time curfew have been exposed as AI-generated nonsense.
Check your modem: millions to get free broadband boost
Almost one in every three NBN users will see their internet speed rise in the coming days but experts are warning consumers to check their hardware.
Indigenous communities lead remote clean energy charge
As Australia finds itself transitioning to renewables, those in remote communities are finding ways to lead the charge toward clean energy on Country.
Keep electric car tax cut, remove pollution instead
A tax exemption for electric vehicles could put another 1.5 million on Australian roads if it is extended to 2035, modelling shows, and cut carbon emissions.
A ‘bank in crisis’: ANZ cops record fine for misconduct
From charging dead customers to overstating trades, a big four bank has been slugged with a record penalty for widespread misconduct.
Electric car safety check could spark second-hand sales
It is the most expensive and vital element of an electric vehicle and more companies are offering to test it to rev up the used car market.
Job cuts, work sent offshore ‘a win’ for bank customers
Two of the four big banks have slashed thousands of jobs within days, with one creating roles offshore it insists will benefit customers.
Worrying trend for bargain-hunting first home buyers
Abolishing "terrible" stamp duty would help arrest the loss of affordable homes, with lower-end properties growing in price faster than the rest of the market.
Future Fund eclipses $250b after bumper return
Australia's sovereign wealth fund has delivered a strong result for financial year 2025, despite significant global economic turmoil.
Big business seeks new dawn for environmental laws
As Anthony Albanese ties the clean energy transition to economic growth in a major speech, the business lobby is urging a streamlined project approvals process.
Step off the gas, Aussie green iron producers warned
Australia could squander the opportunity to export green iron to the world if it does not pursue renewable hydrogen for its production, analysts say.
Faster approvals considered in nature law overhaul
A shake up of Australia's environment laws is being considered, which will determine where developments can be built and where they should be blocked.
Winds of change: reforms coming for renewable energy
Offshore wind technology could give Australia's renewable energy a significant boost but projects are facing headwinds, both locally and abroad.
Outback ice-cream van serves sweet joy amid sorrow
The Gee Whiz ice-cream van is a popular stop for perspiring punters at Birdsville, part of one man's mission to bring happiness after the death of his wife.
Kids unknowingly targeted with AI abuse apps, images
A clarion call to urgently protect vulnerable children and teenagers from online sexual abuse has been issued as the use of AI-powered platforms proliferates.
Consumer boom drives surprise jump in economic growth
Australia's economy surpassed expectations in the last financial year, taking some urgency out of the Reserve Bank's plans to cut interest rates.
Wife of accused cop-killer ‘present’ for shooting
Police have revealed the wife of fugitive Dezi Freeman was present when he allegedly executed two officers in cold blood.
ABC blames ‘perfect storm’ for journo’s illegal sacking
The ABC has rallied against a proposed $350,000 penalty for illegally firing a journalist, arguing the decision arose from a "single inadvertent mistake".
Super fund giant open to performance test tweaks
A superannuation giant with millions of Australian members is calling for law changes to enable people to move more easily between work and retirement.