Global growth outlook slightly healthier, says IMF
The outlook for the global economy has improved marginally, with inflation likely past its peak and trending down over 2023 and 2024.
Economy, Business and Finance
Shoppers urged to swoop on glut of premature pineapples
Pineapple farmers are struggling to keep up with a prematurely ripened crop and fear millions of tonnes of Australian fruit will be left to rot in fields.
Australia’s AAA rating affirmed
Strong demand for Australia's energy exports and the strong labour market have kept upwards pressure on the country's sovereign credit rating.
Greens threaten to derail emissions clamp
Labor's plan to reduce the ceiling on carbon emissions for some big companies doesn't go far enough, the Greens say.
Wholesale energy prices, emissions falling
Wholesale electricity prices and carbon emissions dropped in the December quarter as solar and wind became "most valuable player" in the Australian market.
Petrol set to soar before public holiday
Petrol prices are edging up in many parts of Australia before the January 26 public holiday.
Broker jailed for stealing clients’ shares
Former Queensland stockbroker Roderick George Halligan stole $1.2 million in shares from clients and used fake documents to conceal the thefts for 12 years.
Hefty pay rises required to beat inflation
The soaring cost of living is leaving wages for dust, with workers needing generous pay rises to outpace inflation.
Elon Musk claims his tweets boost Tesla
Tesla boss Elon Musk has defended his social media use in a call with investors, saying more car brands should use Twitter to interest buyers.
$400m freight terminal coming to Melbourne
A $400 million freight terminal slated for Melbourne's north by 2025 will reduce congestion on the city's roads, developers say.
Gas shortfall concerns downgraded: ACCC
Australia is not out of the woods when it comes to a domestic gas shortfall but there's enough uncontracted supply available to cover the gap.
Fortescue’s electrolyser plant un-Plugged
Fortescue Future Industries' electrolyser plant is going ahead despite the loss of its 50-50 joint venture partner Plug Power - and there's no change in CEO.
L-plater who held child, phone convicted
A learner driver caught behind the wheel with a child in her lap and a mobile phone in her hand has been convicted but will avoid jail after pleading guilty.
Most expensive city for education revealed
Melbourne has proven to be Australia's most expensive city for a government education, while Canberra is the most affordable amid the cost of living crisis.
Inflation figures seal case for rate rise
Official inflation figures show inflation lifting higher than expected and setting the stage for further interest rate hikes in 2023.
Recession fears if interest rates hiked
Deloitte Access Economics warns Australia could fall into a recession if the central bank lifts interest rates again, with households already hurting.
Fewer domestic flights on time in December
More festive season travellers suffered flight delays in December as on-time performance dropped below average, the latest government report card shows.
More than $3m returned to older Aussies
Free legal services have returned more than $3 million to older Australians experiencing elder abuse, with seniors urged to seek help sooner rather than later.
Economy slows as inflation pressures ease
The economy is starting to lose momentum as businesses report easing price pressures and gloomier conditions.
Bailout backed to recoup crypto millions
Cryptocurrency firm Digital Surge will survive as creditors vote for a bailout after hours of questions put to administrators by some of the 30,000 investors.
Mining, migration make Qld the top economy
The Sunshine State is the country's best-performing state economy for the first time in more than a decade of CommSec rankings.
Energy cap takes sting out of price hikes
Treasury forecasts indicate wholesale electricity prices won't rise as high as earlier predicted after the government imposed a gas price cap.
Sea World crash survivor’s health setback
A boy who survived a Gold Coast helicopter crash has suffered a major health setback days after his mother's funeral.
Australia and China secure new trade talks
Canberra and Beijing have progressed talks on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum where trade restrictions on Australian goods were discussed.
Australia is ‘odd one out’ on sugar tax
The Australian Medical Association has renewed calls for the nation to follow the lead of 85 countries and jurisdictions and impose a tax on sugar.
Gas price cap places pressure on retailers
Retailers have been struggling to access affordable long-term gas for their industrial and commercial customers, raising questions about energy policy.
Qld eyes $1.3b lithium-ion battery sector
Queensland could be a world leader in mining and refining raw materials needed for batteries, making cells, assembling packs and recycling, a report says.
China a ‘big story’ for Australia’s growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains upbeat about Australia's resilience in the face of economic headwinds and some domestic challenges.
Aust market at best level in eight months
The local share market is up more than 0.8 per cent at close to an eight-month high, with BHP briefly trading at $50 for the first time.
Doubts over Qld coal mine’s water licence
Queensland's water department erred in granting New Hope's Acland coal mine a licence and a review of its decision is needed, activists say.
agriculture
coal
environmental politics
global warming
mining
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
water
water supply
Review may send Acland mine back to court
Queensland's water department is reviewing a decision to grant a licence to the controversial expansion of New Hope's Acland coal mine.