Aussie unemployment rate falls to 3.4 pct
The jobless rate has fallen back to 3.4 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with the labour market still extremely competitive.
Economy, Business and Finance
Christmas demand to hike rideshare fees
Partygoers have been warned to brace for price hikes of more than 25 per cent this Christmas as high demand pushes up rideshare fees.
Recession unlikely in Australia, says IMF
Australia has had one of the strongest recoveries from the pandemic among advanced economies and is on track to avoid a recession, the IMF says.
Queensland mulls gas wells near leak site
The Queensland government says a decision on plans to drill for gas near the contaminated site of Linc Energy's failed coal project is up to the regulator.
Petrol hits 17-week high, but relief ahead
Motorists are paying more than $2 a litre at the pump in several major cities but some cities are entering the discounting phase of their fuel cycles.
Regions hold up as city home prices dive
Regional home prices soared during the pandemic and are so far proving more resilient to interest rate shocks than metropolitan markets.
Billionaire secures AGL board overhaul
Four candidates nominated by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes' private company, Grok Ventures, have been elected to AGL Energy's board of directors.
Banks to pay $126m over dodgy insurance
A class action has been settled with three of Australia's big banks, with customers sold consumer protection insurance to share in $126 million.
Flight Centre sees more upside next year
Flight Centre is predicting it will make up to $90 million in the first half of 2022/23, below consensus estimates of $104m in EBITDA earnings.
Qld pilot allegedly knew of illegality
The trial of a north Queensland Pilot has heard in taped phone conversations he knew he was operating without an air operating certificate.
Aust stocks rally to five-month high
The ASX has enjoyed its second-best day of gains since 2020, rising 2.7 per cent, after consumer price figures suggested US inflation has finally peaked.
AI takes retail marketing to new level
Queensland researchers have helped identify new ways for retailers to use AI and camera technology to predict shopper behaviour and tailor store layouts.
Dark matter of mine closure for small town
What happens after a mine closes may be a challenge for owners and communities but experts say it doesn't have to be a mystery if planners can learn to adapt.
Qld tightens driver’s licence ID rules
Queensland has tightened the rules for using a state driver's licence for identification purposes following the Optus data breach in September.
breaking_news
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
real estate
Ransom payouts lure ‘lowlife’ hackers: REA
REA Group's chief says the company behind Australia's biggest property website wouldn't pay a cyber attacker's ransom as it only encouraged more hacks.
Origin Energy fields $18.4b takeover bid
Origin Energy shares have soared by a third after its board said it would recommend a $9-per-share takeover offer from Brookfield Asset Management.
Renewable energy parts makers eye Qld
The Queensland government says 230 companies are interested in setting up manufacturing plants for renewable energy generation parts in the state.
BHP adapts to ‘megatrends’, sorry for harm
BHP is looking for assets at the right price as the world demands more minerals to build a net-zero economy, but doesn't see a future in green steelmaking.
Bob and Robbie Katter took flights with allegedly unlicensed charter operator
Queensland MP Robbie Katter has given evidence at the fraud trial of pilot Josh Hoch who's accused of operating charter flights illegally.
Newcrest tackles costs, gets first strike
Newcrest is chasing more copper to underpin gold mining operations and says it has contracts in place to control costs amid global inflationary pressures.
Qld Greens want public energy retailer
Queensland would have a single public energy retailer to ensure consumers have cheap and reliable electricity under a Greens proposal.
People want value, not local shops: Coles
The head of grocery giant Coles says the pandemic trend of "local shopping" is unwinding as customers look for cheaper prices instead.
‘Flying food’ trial expands in Australia
Australians will be able to order more food and medicines by drone in an expansion of Google's air delivery service.
ACCC eyes mandatory code for gas companies
The consumer watchdog is considering the viability of a mandatory code of conduct to keep soaring energy prices contained.
environmental politics
environmental pollution
natural gas
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics (general)
Qld urged to speed up Lake Eyre protection
Activists are calling on the Queensland government to publicly release its assessment of plans to protect the Lake Eyre Basin before Christmas.
Elderly Qld farmer trapped in mud
An elderly Queensland farmer has survived being trapped in mud for two days after falling from his tractor.
Aust stocks higher despite energy losses
The big banks and lithium miners helped the ASX200 jump another 0.36 per cent on Tuesday, despite sharp losses by the energy sector and James Hardie Industries.
IR changes will serve common interest: PM
As debate continues on government workplace changes, Anthony Albanese says the reform will rebuild an outdated system.
NAB sees 20pct decline in house prices
National Australia Bank says that while some customers will face difficulties as rates rise, the at-risk cohort is just a tiny fraction of its loan book.
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
Australia’s gas economy tops $70bn a year
Amid pressure for an extra tax on gas profits, the industry is mounting a defence of its importance to the Australian economy.
Demand strong, but biz confidence weakens
Australian firms are growing wary of an economic slowdown, but overall economic conditions remain robust, according to NAB's monthly business survey.