Petrol prices fall as job market tightens
Petrol prices are dropping below $2 while new job advertising figures suggest the unemployment rate could be in the low-threes by the end of this year.
Economy, Business and Finance
Aust, India sign ‘watershed’ trade deal
Australia has signed a long-awaited free trade deal with India after years of negotiation, delivering benefits for exporters and importers.
Plan to boost nation’s farmed prawns fails
The plan to build one of the world's biggest prawn farms at an outback Northern Territory cattle station has been put on hold over cost concerns.
Inflation rise in June quarter: Treasury
A Senate estimates hearing has been told higher global oil prices and supply-chain pressures are contributing to growing inflation.
ASX stagnant, inflation concerns persist
April Fools' Day has been no laughing matter on the Australian share market as inflation concerns hamper momentum.
Bullock appointed Reserve Bank deputy
The Reserve Bank of Australia has its first female deputy governor in its 62-year history, Michele Bullock, who replaces the retiring Guy Debelle.
Smaller cities lead growth in home values
Home values were up 0.7 per cent in March, with Sydney and Melbourne declining and smaller cities punching above their weight.
Star boss denies ‘advocating’ for casino
The head of Star Entertainment's financial crime unit has continued his evidence at an inquiry into whether The Star is fit to retain its Sydney casino licence.
Gas producer Arrow Energy fined $1m in Qld
Queensland's Department of Resources has fined coal seam gas producer Arrow Energy $1 million following concerns raised by landholders in the state's south.
New airline Bonza seeking 200 workers
New domestic airline Bonza is offering 200 jobs to pilots and cabin crew who have seen their industry downsized dramatically during the pandemic.
Jobless rate could fall below 4pct soon
The unemployment rate could fall below 4 per cent sooner than forecast in this week's federal budget with the number of job vacancies growing in recent months.
Carbon price will return under Greens
The Greens say they will bring back a price on carbon if they are placed in the balance of power after the federal election expected in May.
Qld farmers want reef law science auditor
Queensland farmers have slammed the major parties for not backing a crossbench bill to wind back Barrier Reef runoff rules, which they claim are not scientific.
Concerns budget spend will fuel inflation
Global credit rating agencies have given a nod of approval to the federal budget, but economists see pre-election handouts further fuelling inflation.
Budget a measure for tough times: Morrison
The prime minister says the budget is about more than getting re-elected after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled a number of short-term sweeteners.
States to share in $166b of federal funds
Between the GST carve-up and specific purpose payments, the states and territories will share in more than $166 billion in federal funding over the year.
Singapore Air’s Top End flights take off
The first Singapore Airlines passenger flight into the Top End for more than two decades is set to land in Darwin as tourists begin returning to Australia.
Smaller deficits even as Frydenberg spends
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has banked some of the windfall from strong economic growth, low unemployment and a spike in commodity prices.
Pre-poll budget offers cash, cheaper fuel
Australians will get one-off cash handouts and tax breaks and pay less for fuel under new budget measures, but a lack of permanent relief has been criticised.
Federal budget shows 3.75pct jobless rate
The federal budget will forecast the unemployment rate falling to 3.75 per cent later this year, well below what was expected just a few months ago.
Qld govt demands flood-proofing in budget
Queensland's treasurer says flood-proofing the state needs to be an urgent priority in Tuesday's federal budget ahead of long-term infrastructure projects.
‘Market has spoken’ on NSW hydrogen hubs
The NSW government has received an "overwhelming level" of interest in proposals to turn two coal mining regions into production hubs for renewable hydrogen.
Pre-election budget to ease cost of living
Tuesday night's federal budget is expected to include a cut to the fuel excise as well as assistance for more first home buyers.
Budget to enjoy dividend of strong economy
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Tuesday's budget will show a significant improvement in the bottom line as a result of a strong economy.
Fourth Japanese encephalitis case in Qld
A fourth Japanese encephalitis case has been recorded in Queensland, with the new patient believed to be in northern Brisbane.
Hydrogen highway to link Queensland to southern states
Australia's busiest highways along the east coast will be linked by a hydrogen highway aimed at decarbonising fuel-guzzling trucks.
Billionaire Palmer pivots to living costs
Senate hopeful Clive Palmer says his United Australia Party will freeze the fuel excise as the billionaire attempts to pivot to cost-of-living pressure.
Crown ‘unsuitable’ to operate Perth casino
Crown will retain its West Australian casino licence but will face independent monitoring after a royal commission found it was an unsuitable operator.
Qld housing crisis hits regional employers
Regional employers are struggling to fill vacancies because there is nowhere for new employees to live, Queensland's chambers of commerce say.
Youth mental health focus set for budget
More than $260 million has been set aside in the budget for mental health services for young Australians, as the government seeks to highlight health care.
Federal budget improves in red-hot economy
Economists expect Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's fourth budget will show a much-improved bottom line in an economy that is running red hot.