Barilaro’s office denied bushfire funds in Labor seats
The NSW auditor‑general's report on bushfire recovery grants has found John Barilaro's office excluded Labor electorates from urgent funding.
Economy, Business and Finance
Home values slide further but regions prove resilient
The property downturn is hitting capital cities harder than regions, suggesting higher demand has become permanent for regional markets.
Price pressures may ease but mortgage cliff looms
Inflation is likely to start easing but many mortgage holders face higher repayments once their fixed-rate terms expire, a living costs committee has been told.
EV boom! Electric car sales tipped to be led by Baby Boomer generation
Australians from older generations are most likely to buy new generation electric vehicles, according to a new study, that also found car costs are rising.
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.
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.
Bonza takes to the sky with first Australian flight
Australia's new low-cost airline is officially airborne, with the first flight taking off from its base on the Sunshine Coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Petrol set to soar before public holiday
Petrol prices are edging up in many parts of Australia before the January 26 public holiday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Economy slows as inflation pressures ease
The economy is starting to lose momentum as businesses report easing price pressures and gloomier conditions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, EU locked in ‘feta’ trade fight
Australian free trade agreement talks with the EU remain stuck, battling over the rights to use geographical terms like 'feta' cheese and 'Prosecco' wine.
Gas cap rules ‘sound and workable’: ACCC
The gas industry continues to voice concerns about the design of the government's big stick interventions designed to keep energy prices contained.