Prosecco makers popping corks as free trade deal struck
Australian prosecco makers are among those cheering a landmark free trade deal with the European Union, but farmers have slammed it as inadequate.
Economy, Business and Finance
ABC shows off the air as staff walk out over pay offer
A lacklustre pay deal with a below-inflation increase has triggered one of the largest strikes in the national broadcaster's history.
Multibillion-dollar bailout for major aluminium maker
A key aluminium smelter will receive billions of dollars in government funding to stay open until 2040, the latest metals manufacturer to be bailed out.
No new mines but coal expansions given green light
Large-scale coal mine expansions will continue to be approved under a new state policy despite concerns from its own carbon emissions commission.
Aussie shares plunge, oil prices spike as war escalates
The Australian stock market has fallen to its lowest level since November, with heavy losses for goldminers as the yellow metal fell to $US4,850.
Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b
The bourse is down for a third straight week with more than $270 billion wiped from its market value since US attacks on Iran sparked an energy market crisis.
Labor considers windfall gas tax amid Iran price spike
A new tax on extraordinary gas profits caused by the Middle East conflict could raise an extra $27 billion per year for the federal budget, advocates say.
Two men in hospital after brazen alleged hit and run
A man will spend the night behind bars after he allegedly strangled an unknown man and pinned another under his car before driving away.
Free midday power just the start for energy equity
Zero-cost daytime energy is about capitalising on Australia's solar success story but more could be done to ensure renters and apartment occupants benefit.
EU leader touches down as PM hopes to land trade deal
The president of the European Commission has begun her three-day visit to Australia, as a long-awaited free-trade deal with the bloc appears set to be resolved.
‘Tales of two insolvencies’: small business failures up
Credit-demand figures indicate business conditions have been headed south since before the US-Israeli war on Iran rocked global energy markets.
Rationing not yet on the cards as fuel outlook worsens
Australia has been reassured by a key trading partner its fuel supplies are not at risk as other nations look to limit exports to support domestic markets.
Cheaper goods to flow under ‘hard yakka’ EU trade deal
Australia and Europe will go on a tariff-slashing blitz, inking a historic trade deal after almost a decade of sometimes-intractable negotiations.
Aussies could miss big payday due to basic AI skills
Millions of Australian workers are using artificial intelligence tools with only a basic understanding, and could boost their salaries with more training.
Homemade chips: $20m boost for Aussie quantum leader
A company planning to create the world's first commercial quantum computer will get a multimillion-dollar boost to achieve it in Australia.
Critics slam ‘ham-fisted’ plan to crack down on e-bikes
Critics have blasted nationwide moves to clamp down on e‑scooters and e‑bikes through tough legislative reforms, dismissing them as "ham-fisted".
RBA frets over severe global shock from Middle East war
Spillover from the Iran war and an uptick in risky lending to first-home buyers could threaten Australia's financial stability, the Reserve Bank warns.
Fuel ration push parked as crisis talks target pricing
Ministers say they're focused on getting more petrol into the market in response to the Iran war, rather than limiting how much motorists can buy.
Coal miner reaps price rise from Middle East conflict
Coalminer New Hope is experiencing a price lift for the black mineral from the war in the Middle East, after posting a sharp fall in interim profit.
Up there Queen Mary: royal kicks goals in MCG debut
Denmark's Queen Mary has lived out the dream of many Australians, booting a goal at the MCG as she met AFL players during a return to her home nation.
Australia prepares fuel plans if Mideast war drags on
Australia is preparing for all scenarios should the war in the Middle East go on indefinitely and the fuel crisis escalates, the prime minister says.
Renewable energy project may help blow down power bills
The savings from a new type of energy project could slash electricity bills for households in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and consume less farming land.
Treasurer warns of major economic damage from Iran war
Fresh modelling shows oil price shocks and soaring prices for other commodities will have a lasting impact on Australia's economy.
Aussies to build GPS alternative for self-driving cars
Cars, rockets and mining vehicles could drive themselves even when the global positioning system goes dark if a Sydney company succeeds in its mission.
Radio giant takes big bet in Sandilands contract fight
Kyle Sandilands may have played a shrewd move after his axing by focusing attention on his radio masters rather than himself, legal experts say.
Australian shares creep higher as oil prices steady
The local bourse is making a tentative advance after a relatively quiet night for oil prices, ahead of a national cabinet meeting to discuss fuel supplies.
Incoming BHP boss calls on Australia to mend its ways
Australia needs to adopt more business-friendly policies on energy and labour if it is to compete for capital, the new boss of mining giant BHP says.
Treasurer softens up voters for ‘hard decisions’ on tax
The government will warn of a hit to economic growth and Australia's productivity performance in the upcoming budget, raising the stakes for ambitious reform.
‘Over-prepared’: PM’s pledge on growing fuel crisis
Australia will have a single point of contact co-ordinating fuel supplies and issues that might arise due to the Iran war, with further measures expected.
Safe as houses: home resale profits go through the roof
Record home sales profits are lining the pockets of people in the housing market, while pushing the price of admission beyond the means of ordinary Australians.