NSW floods the costliest natural disaster
The ongoing NSW floods have become the most expensive natural disaster in Australia's history with more than $5.5 billion in claims lodged.
Economy, Business and Finance
Business output shrinks for second month
Demand for services has cooled but manufacturing conditions remain fairly robust, a new survey shows.
ASX quiet again as banks gain, miners fall
The local share market has had its sixth consecutive day of subdued trading, with losses by the big miners balanced by gains for the big banks.
Spending spree drives rise in confidence
Black Friday sales may be feeding into slightly elevated consumer confidence scores as savvy spenders pounce on discounted items.
Call for renewable energy storage target
Climate and energy leaders say a national renewable energy storage target could stabilise soaring power bills and encourage the construction of new systems.
Free rides on Sydney trains this week
Travel on Sydney's trains will be free this week as the government looks to avoid further disruptive industrial action by the union
Queensland report backs future for coal
Queensland's coal industry is emerging as a winner in the global energy crisis as demand from India, Japan and South Korea pick up the slack from China's ban.
BHP set for $9.6b OZ Minerals acquisition
OZ Minerals will grant BHP due diligence for four weeks on an exclusive basis following a revised $9.6 billion takeover offer.
More money to keep animal diseases out
Additional funding has been allocated to keep livestock diseases out of Australia, with an extra $2 million to help Indonesia's biosecurity system.
Deliveroo fallout devastates food industry
Businesses are owed thousands and delivery riders are out of work following Deliveroo's shock closure but experts warn more food services may shut.
Industrial umpire scraps Svitzer lockout
The Fair Work Commission has stepped in to ensure a port lockout by tugboat operator Svitzer cannot go ahead for six months, as a pay dispute continues.
Don’t feel lonely – you’re now one of 8 billion humans alive today
We can choose to adequately and equitably feed a population of 10 billion by 2050 – even as we reduce or eliminate global greenhouse gas emissions and staunch biodiversity loss
Aust crypto exchange suspends withdrawals
Brisbane-based crypto exchange Digital Surge has suspended withdrawals until further notice, citing fallout from the collapse of FTX.
Deliveroo pulls out of Australian market
In a shock move, food delivery service Deliveroo has announced plans to shut down its Australian operations, putting thousands of people out of work.
1000 Teslas recalled over ‘serious’ fault
Electric vehicle maker Tesla is facing its second recall in Australia in two weeks, with issues affecting Model S and Model X vehicles.
Aussie unemployment rate falls to 3.4 pct
The jobless rate has fallen back to 3.4 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the labour market still extremely competitive.
Christmas demand to hike rideshare fees
Partygoers have been warned to brace for price hikes of more than 25 per cent this Christmas as high demand pushes up rideshare fees.
Recession unlikely in Australia, says IMF
Australia has had one of the strongest recoveries from the pandemic among advanced economies and is on track to avoid a recession, the IMF says.
Queensland mulls gas wells near leak site
The Queensland government says a decision on plans to drill for gas near the contaminated site of Linc Energy's failed coal project is up to the regulator.
Petrol hits 17-week high, but relief ahead
Motorists are paying more than $2 a litre at the pump in several major cities but some cities are entering the discounting phase of their fuel cycles.
Regions hold up as city home prices dive
Regional home prices soared during the pandemic and are so far proving more resilient to interest rate shocks than metropolitan markets.
Billionaire secures AGL board overhaul
Four candidates nominated by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes' private company, Grok Ventures, have been elected to AGL Energy's board of directors.
Banks to pay $126m over dodgy insurance
A class action has been settled with three of Australia's big banks, with customers sold consumer protection insurance to share in $126 million.
Flight Centre sees more upside next year
Flight Centre is predicting it will make up to $90 million in the first half of 2022/23, below consensus estimates of $104m in EBITDA earnings.
Qld pilot allegedly knew of illegality
The trial of a north Queensland Pilot has heard in taped phone conversations he knew he was operating without an air operating certificate.
Aust stocks rally to five-month high
The ASX has enjoyed its second-best day of gains since 2020, rising 2.7 per cent, after consumer price figures suggested US inflation has finally peaked.
AI takes retail marketing to new level
Queensland researchers have helped identify new ways for retailers to use AI and camera technology to predict shopper behaviour and tailor store layouts.
Dark matter of mine closure for small town
What happens after a mine closes may be a challenge for owners and communities but experts say it doesn't have to be a mystery if planners can learn to adapt.
Qld tightens driver’s licence ID rules
Queensland has tightened the rules for using a state driver's licence for identification purposes following the Optus data breach in September.
breaking_news
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
real estate
Ransom payouts lure ‘lowlife’ hackers: REA
REA Group's chief says the company behind Australia's biggest property website wouldn't pay a cyber attacker's ransom as it only encouraged more hacks.
Origin Energy fields $18.4b takeover bid
Origin Energy shares have soared by a third after its board said it would recommend a $9-per-share takeover offer from Brookfield Asset Management.