Chatbots on the rise but failing customers
Chatbots will be used for 95 per cent of online customer interactions within three years, but a study shows they're failing to meet expectations.
Economy, Business and Finance
Qld to probe short-term rental home market
The Queensland government has launched a probe into the state's short-term rental market ahead of a housing crisis summit later this week.
Toyota sued over popular diesel vehicles
Toyota is facing a class-action lawsuit in Australia over emissions from some of its most popular diesel vehicles including Hi-Lux, LandCruiser and RAV4.
Floods to push up price of fruit and veg
Consumers are being warned they're likely to pay more for fruit and vegetables in the wake of flooding across eastern parts of Australia.
Star Sydney licence suspended, $100m fine
The NSW Independent Casino Commission has fined Star Entertainment a record $100 million and suspended the gaming licence for its Sydney casino.
‘It’s time’: NSW Labor prepares for 2023
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has promised a fresh start for the state if his party wins in March after nearly 12 years in opposition.
NSW ‘short-changed’ in federal cash splash
The federal government is pledging $9.6 billion to boost road and rail infrastructure across Australia, but NSW says it has been short-changed.
Govt defends big road and rail spending
The federal government hopes a near-$10 billion infrastructure investment won't do more to drive inflation as it prepares for October 25's budget.
ASX jumps after Wall Street’s wild ride
Australian shares have finished up 1.75 per cent after a whipsaw session on Wall Street, which staged one of the biggest one-day reversals in its history.
PM hails parental leave to Labor faithful
Australian families will get an extra six weeks of paid parental leave under a policy designed to improve gender equity and help with the rising cost of living.
Inflation still ‘public enemy number one’
The inflation dragon is still breathing fire as the treasurer says higher-than-expected US inflation will have implications for Australia.
Uber’s Aussie buy prepares for US launch
Australian start-up Car Next Door will be rebranded by Uber and launched in America in a bid to shake-up car rental and ownership in a new market.
New standards for more connected energy
New rules and technical standards for home and business energy systems are being developed as regulators catch up with consumers and technology.
Vacancy tax pitch for Qld housing crisis
The Queensland Greens hope the threat of tens of thousands of dollars in tax will encourage investors with vacant homes to return them to the rental market.
Religious leaders tackle Albanese Government on coal and gas
One hundred religious leaders from a range of faith communities have signed an open letter calling on the Albanese government to stop approving new coal and gas projects
Labor’s new plan to slash consultancy bill
The finance minister has outlined a new plan to cut back on consultancy fees while the treasurer has promised to leave controversial stage three tax cuts alone.
Neutral cash rate ‘guide’ for Reserve Bank
Getting the cash rate back to neutral is more about the journey than the destination and the central bank will be guided by changing economic conditions.
ASX closes flat as banks gain, miners fall
The local share market has spent the day treading water, finishing little changed from where it began with gains for the banking sector and losses for miners.
Greenpeace slams Toyota over EV delays
Environmental group Greenpeace has called on Toyota to "up their game" on electric vehicles after comments about Australia's transition to the technology.
Commuters should get EV tax breaks: report
A study into electric vehicles in Australia's three biggest cities recommends targeted tax breaks and discounts to accelerate their adoption.
agriculture
environmental issue
environmental politics
forestry and timber
forests
politics (general)
real estate
Green groups seek new deforestation plan
A coalition of conservation groups has launched a campaign calling for the Queensland government to draw up a plan to halt deforestation in the state.
Defence works to disrupt flights in Darwin
Darwin International Airport says flights are being disrupted for more than a year to allow the Australian Defence Force to complete runway maintenance.
Uber secures 500 electric cars for drivers
US ride-sharing giant Uber has partnered with a Sydney firm to import 500 electric cars and speed up Australia's transition to greener transport.
Neutral cash rate a guide, says RBA
Getting the cash rate back to neutral is more about the journey than the destination and will be guided by changing economic conditions.
Coalition ‘pet projects’ on chopping block
The upcoming budget is expected to be an exercise in trimming waste and tightening spending across portfolios as taxpayers can expect modest savings.
NSW essential workers fed up: survey
More than nine in 10 public sector workers in NSW believe their salaries are stagnating, while a quarter want leave the state, a new survey has found.
Household energy bills soar by 25 per cent
Household and small business energy bills are soaring and the consumer watchdog is monitoring the industry for signs of price-gouging.
Miners look to strike green gold out west
A gold mine in Western Australia plans to go carbon neutral by using green hydrogen to power crushing equipment, haulage trucks and generators.
PM insists ‘no change’ on income tax cuts
Senior ministers insist they're sticking to their election promise of keeping significant income tax cuts as the Greens warn the policy will restrict spending.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
energy
environmental politics
finance (general)
industrial production
politics
Carbon credits key to industrial emissions
The federal government is playing "policy whack-a-mole" as it prepares to roll out energy and climate tools, including new credits for big emitters.
Risk Optus breach can weaken banks: RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia is warning that large-scale data breaches and cyberattacks could destabilise financial institutions.