Massive fine for home loan compliance failures
Defunct home lender RAMS has been fined $20 million by the Federal Court after admitting to widespread misconduct over a four-year period.
Economy, Business and Finance
Supercheap Auto owner moves quickly to name new CEO
Super Retail Group has promoted the leader of its BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) chain to lead its overall business after its last CEO was fired.
From gigabits to terabits: fibre to fire up downloads
A fibre optic internet backbone will deliver internet speeds up to six times faster as well as a multi-billion-dollar boost to Australia's economy by 2040.
Australia’s great timing in mega-deal with Donald Trump
Australia's critical minerals deal could be a boon for local miners but the timing is also to US President Donald Trump's advantage as he tangles with China.
Refurb for Adairs as homewares retailer reads the room
Homewares and furnishings retailer Adairs is pulling back from a deep discounting model as it plans to unveil a more "aspirational" refresh.
America first, but not America only: Sinodinos says
Winning the strategic contest in the Pacific requires Canberra to sharpen its focus and broaden its circle of friends, a foreign policy expert says.
Super Retail chair survives protest vote after scandal
Super Retail enjoyed 4.5 per cent financial year-to-date sales growth but its AGM was focused on the board's decision to sack chief executive Anthony Hegarty.
Profits up in calmer weather for insurance group IAG
The group that owns some of Australia's biggest insurance brands says profits have been strong so far in 2025/26, but is mindful conditions can change quickly.
Mining giant flags more jobs at risk due to coal taxes
One of the world's biggest mining companies has hit out against Commonwealth and state taxes, arguing they must be competitive enough to attract investment.
Pole position: contentious EV charging plan to go ahead
Power providers in one state will be allowed to install electric vehicle chargers on their power poles despite opposition to the proposal.
‘Clearly not too busy’: Rebel lashed in film lawsuit
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has been criticised for allegedly continuing to make public statements about an actress who is suing her for defamation.
Governor takes aim at tax barrier to economic mobility
The Reserve Bank has set its sights on one tax it says keeps owners of big homes from downsizing and people from relocating for better jobs and pay.
Monash IVF strips former execs of bonuses after mix-ups
Two former top executives at Monash IVF will not receive bonuses after two mixed up embryo transfers damaged the company's reputation.
Ley reveals tax cuts, backflips on unpopular policies
The coalition has outlined priorities it will take to the next election, with leader Sussan Ley attempting to win back voters after a stinging defeat.
Best mates: White House meeting firms PM-Trump ties
The prime minister's long-awaited meeting with the US president has gone off almost without a hitch, a former ambassador says.
Ugly protest scenes spark pleas to ensure city safety
Tourism operators and businesses are demanding action to ensure locals and out-of-towners are not put off travelling to a major capital.
Jeweller accused of ringing up counterfeit luxury bling
A man faces years in jail for allegedly trying to sell counterfeit copies of high-end jewellery such as Cartier at inflated prices totalling more than $100,000.
Bank admits ‘mistake’ over worker who lost job to AI
A woman who trained an AI chatbot that took her job has quizzed executives at Australia's biggest bank about how they will stop such a thing happening again.
Origin takes heat over coal-fired power station
Moving from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy projects could take longer than expected, a retailer has warned, amid delays and high costs.
Australian shares eye record as banks and miners rally
Australia's share market is within striking distance of its highest close after its best day in two weeks, as investors look past US-China trade jitters.
Australia falling behind as experts call for AI urgency
The juice will be worth the squeeze for workers and businesses if Australia quickly and carefully forges on with artificial intelligence, industry figures say.
Nation’s big home build already off target
Construction is behind schedule by tens of thousands of homes, fresh figures reveal, after the first full year of a federal housing goal.
Rates cut back in the works as jobless figure spikes
An interest rate cut is back in the running on Melbourne Cup day as surprising unemployment figures offer borrowers hope of a home-loan victory.
Renewed rate-cut hopes fuel Australian shares record
A lift in expectations of an interest rate cut have provided a springboard to send Australian equities to new highs, after weeks of consolidation.
Accountants, ombudsman lash tax office service
The ATO has declined a Tax Ombudsman suggestion to re-route calls from accountants to experienced staff as pressures mount between tax agents and the agency.
‘For the birds’: doubt ageing coal plants can go longer
Coal stations are reaching their end of-life and need to be retired, the Climate Change Authority chair says, regardless of moves to keep them running longer.
Treasurer lays groundwork for ‘golden’ US minerals deal
Australia is pushing for zero US tariffs and is dangling the carrot of a deal for critical minerals ahead of the prime minister's meeting with Donald Trump.
Waste is the new oil: why Aussie export may be rubbish
Cutting emissions from long-haul flights, shipping and trucking remains a challenge but one solution could put Australia in an enviable position.
Transport needs clear signals and certainty to contribute to 2035 emission reduction targets
The Government has announced its 2035 emission reduction targets of 62-70% and a key factor in delivering these targets will be the rapid electrification of the nation’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Farmland value in reverse as economy tightens
Australian farmland values are down 3.8 per cent in the first half of 2025 - the first dip in over a decade - but there are some causes for optimism.
Open-home rape, abuse claims as estate agent on trial
A real estate agent accused of raping and sexually abusing three women at multiple open homes is fighting the allegations in court.