US House passes Trump’s sweeping tax-cut bill
House Republicans have stayed up all night to pass US President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful", multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package.
Economy, Business and Finance
CFMEU boss to step away from national leadership post
The CFMEU's national secretary Zach Smith has told staff he will step back from the role but continue to run one of its state branches.
Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing
Refinancing your home loan – whether by negotiating a better deal with your current lender or switching to a new one – could save you thousands over the life of your loan. However, it won’t be the right decision for everyone. And there are some important things to know about how the process works – including hidden costs and risks.
Aussie shares at three-month high as big bank hits peak
Australia's banks have helped push the local stock market higher as the nation's most valuable company notches a share price record.
Regional house price growth outstrips capital cities
Two regional centres either side of a state capital recorded the highest dwelling value increases so far in 2025, as capital cities reverse a decline.
Restaurants on the brink as business failures plateau
Hospitality venues are feeling the pinch from high business costs and low spending, but lower interest rates should help ease the pain
Trump’s tariff ‘rollercoaster’ raises recession risk
Donald Trump's trade war has clouded economic forecasts as Australia's central bank seeks to thread the needle to avoid the nation tipping into a recession.
Premier denies ticketless fares revamp is off the rails
A completion delay and cost blowout on ticketless public transport fares for commuters doesn't mean the overhaul has hit the skids, a premier insists.
Google offers AI tools to automate that personal touch
Users of Google products could allow AI to personalise email replies and more with their own tone and style by allowing it to peer into their private data.
Telstra accused of beating around the bush on coverage
Telstra admits changing its website to update coverage claims, but denies it misled customers as the consumer watchdog considers the allegations.
‘Wafer-thin’ budget surplus won’t fix debt problem
One unforeseen event would likely erode a state's long-awaited return to surplus, as its treasurer attempts to tame mounting debt in her first budget.
Debt piles up as public service faces $3b budget cut
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill as interest on debt eats a $29-million-a-day hole in a state budget, despite public service job cuts and higher tax revenue.
Borrowers rejoice as rates cut amid ‘uncertain’ times
The official cash rate has a three in front of it for the first time in two years, after the Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points.
Albanese ends whirlwind international tour in Singapore
Anthony Albanese will end his first trip abroad after his re-election with a stopover in Singapore during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Aussie shares hit three-month high as streak continues
Australian shares have pushed higher each session this week as easing trade tensions and hopes of incoming interest rate cuts buoyed markets.
Mind the gap: $1 million homes driving up wealth divide
Home ownership rates continue to decline as more homes crack $1 million in value, making it harder for young Australians to keep up.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
French court finds Depardieu guilty of sexual assault
French actor Gerard Depardieu's fall from grace is complete after he was found guilty and sentenced for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021.
More households want to go full electric but lack spark
Millions more Australian households plan to cut gas and go all-electric but many say they need more information and guidance to do so.
Parent group challenges energy giant over carbon claims
EnergyAustralia will face the Federal Court to answer allegations some of its "carbon neutral" products were not as green as they seemed.
Bus driver goes to trial over pedestrian death
A bus driver accused of careless driving causing the death of an 18-year-old pedestrian will fight the charge, prompting emotional courtroom scenes.
‘Hubris’: financial giant in hot water over breaches
Macquarie's brokering arm is being taken to court by the financial regulator for allegedly failing to report up to 1.5 billion short sales over 14 years.
Telco complaints a symptom of cost-of-living crisis
Telcos are failing to offer sufficient help to customers struggling to pay their bills, as the telecommunications watchdog receives a spike in complaints.
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Strawberry shields forever: bioplastic cuts fruit waste
Unique packaging material created using bacteria and sawdust could reduce disposable plastic and keep strawberries safe during transport.
Oil dives on US-Iran hopes as stocks surge stalls
A potential US-Iran nuclear deal has caused oil prices to tumble, while global share markets caught their breath as trade optimism died down.
A glimmer of hope for nuclear dream after election bomb
Voters rejected a plan to build seven nuclear reactors, but some experts say the technology's role in cutting emissions means it can't be ruled out.
Healing art: medical scans get a cultural makeover
A new CT scanner at an Indigenous-owned medical imaging service has become a symbol of hope, healing and culture for one regional community.
Aussie shares pare gains ahead of US-China deal detail
Australian shares have edged slightly higher amid trade talks between the world's two largest economies, but a deal on tariffs is yet to come.
Wastewater may solve wee green hydrogen price problem
The cost of renewable hydrogen could be cut substantially if Australian researchers can scale their latest discoveries involving wastewater.
Record $7m tobacco haul as police target crime assets
Police have seized a record $7.3 million haul of tobacco and frozen $22 million in crime syndicate assets in a big blow to the booming black market.