Exoskeleton find leads to super cement
A new Australian discovery in relation to invertebrate exoskeletons may lead to advances in the design of more damage-resistant construction materials.
Economy, Business and Finance
Corporate staff called to help at airports
More than 300 corporate staff from Qantas and Sydney Airport worked at terminals on Good Friday to help ease pressures caused by worker shortages.
Easter flights depart without baggage
The Good Friday rush at the country's busiest airports has passed after fears of Easter chaos but staff shortages meant some planes flew without bags loaded.
Retailers to enjoy Easter sales boost
New research predicts retailers will enjoy a $7.1 billion sales boost this Easter holiday weekend, with Saturday one of the top 10 trading days of the year.
Travel, miners help ASX post solid gains
Australian shares gained 0.6 per cent before the Easter long weekend despite financial stocks coming under pressure.
Broad gains push ASX higher at noon
Australian shares have traded 0.6 per cent higher midway through the session, despite weaker sentiment in financial stocks.
Invasive mango pest detected in Top End
An industry-threatening pest known as the mango shoot looper has been detected for the first time in the Northern Territory.
Bank of Queensland lifts first-half profit
Bank of Queensland increased its profit in the first half of fiscal 2022, as it continues to bed down its acquisition of ME Bank.
Star junket risk discussed, not documented
A senior risk manager has told an inquiry risk assessments were completed into a controversial junket operator, but can't say where or if they were documented.
Queensland leads nation in carbon farming
An industry scorecard finds Australia is leading the world on carbon farming, but uncertainty hangs over the sector with Labor pledging a review if elected.
Airport travellers facing Easter chaos
The nation's airports are bracing for the busiest day in two years as people plan to get away for the Easter long weekend with travellers facing major delays.
Rate rise risk unnerves mortgage holders
Households with a mortgage have posted a steep drop in confidence due to concerns a cash rate rise by the RBA is just months away.
Consumers, business upbeat ahead of poll
Consumers and business have entered a long six-week federal election campaign in a relatively upbeat mood.
‘Telephone’ voting for COVID-19 iso cases
A telephone voting system is set to be rolled out for the 2022 federal election, allowing those in COVID-19 isolation on polling day to cast their ballot.
Auction rates bubble on despite price cool
Despite cooling Australian house prices, auction rates are sky high as buyers get in and sellers go to market before interest rates rise.
Construction starts on new Qld coal mine
The deputy prime minister has hailed a new coal mine as helping to underpin Australia's security by generating more money for the economy.
RBA warns of quicker, steeper rate rises
The Reserve Bank warns borrowers to be prepared for interest rates to rise more quickly than anticipated, as politicians gear up for a cost-of-living election.
Biggest ASX loss in more than three weeks
Investors have watched the ASX close lower after signs the US Federal Reserve wants larger rate increases to head off inflation.
Toyota class action bill could reach $2b
A class action lawsuit against Toyota has been upheld, with the auto giant facing the prospect of paying out thousands of customers to the tune of $2 billion.
ASX weighed down by US rate hike concerns
Shares have slipped on the ASX after worries in the US about the central bank taking more aggressive action to curb inflation.
More Australian kids dying on driveways
More Australian children are dying on household driveways than ever before, figures reveal.
More economists expect June rate rise
More economists have brought forward to June their expected date for a first rise in the RBA cash rate in a decade.
Major cities see impact of fuel excise cut
Motorists are enjoying lower petrol prices in major cities as a result of the cut to fuel excise and everyone should be enjoying the benefit in coming weeks.
Scarborough gas venture wins key approvals
The Commonwealth-Western Australian Joint Authority has granted Woodside key approvals for the massive LNG Scarborough Project off the coast of Karratha.
Qld flood recovery takes funding hit as Morrison rejects plea
Difficult decisions will need to be made after the Commonwealth rejected the bulk of a flood disaster recovery package, the Queensland government says.
RBA’s Lowe warns higher inflation ahead
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned higher rates of inflation are ahead, signally he will be keeping watch on data results in coming months.
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.
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.