Freeway cash splash as poll pitch enters the fast lane
A battleground state is being showered with hundreds of millions of dollars in poll pledges as Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton rev up unofficial campaigns.
Economy, Business and Finance
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains confident 2025 will be better economically for Australians after struggles with the cost of living.
‘Mum guilt’: parents battle growing school costs
As Australian parents deal with the ballooning cost of school supplies amid other cost-of-living pressures, a minor party is promising relief.
Athlete villages for 2032 Games stuck on starting block
Claims of a $3 billion black hole in construction costs for villages to house athletes competing at the 2032 Olympics have been rejected by a former government.
Aussies’ mammoth Xmas shopping despite economic crunch
A new record was set for Australia Post's busiest peak period during the latest festive season with 2800 parcels delivered to households every minute.
Lift-off for new Rex sale after $50m taxpayer lifeline
Taxpayers will fork out a $50 million debt lifeline to Rex, with the federal government stepping in for a second bid to sell the embattled airline.
‘Startling’ study shows risk of online harm to children
More than one in four girls have experienced online sexual solicitation by an adult before their 18th birthday, with some being as young as 11.
Myer gets tick of approval for clothing brand merger
Myer Holdings will get much bigger on Sunday, after shareholders approved its acquisition of 719 apparel stores, including Just Jeans and Jay Jays.
‘Not enough’: PM concedes more needed to win election
Selling a vision for the future, rather than dwelling on past achievements, is the prime minister's blueprint for winning over voters to secure a second term.
Greens housing crusade fails to sway most tenant voters
Renters are more likely to support Labor or Liberal than the Greens despite the minor party running hard on issues faced by tenants, fresh polling shows.
Australia warned to get productive or be left behind
Fault lines are widening between economic performance of nations and a global body warns Australia risks being left behind if it fails to improve productivity.
Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn join Anaconda cast
Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn have joined the cast of Anaconda, currently filming in Australia with Paul Rudd and Jack Black.
A decade past its due date, the NBN promises to deliver
Removing copper connections from the National Broadband Network will come at a cost of more than $6 billion but tech experts say the move will be worth it.
Star shares hit the skids as survival odds take a blow
Shares are down seven per cent at Star after the embattled casino company warned of "material uncertainty" about its ability to continue.
Trio avoid going to jail over attempted $21m bank fraud
A group including a former senior employee have been spared time behind bars after attempting to defraud a major bank out of more than $20 million.
Housing affordability blow as construction costs go up
The cost of building a home continues to rise, making it harder for builders to meet supply targets and alleviate housing affordability.
Buyer’s market: 2025 to bring relief to home buyers
A major pullback in house price rises has not stopped the market from extending its growth streak to eight consecutive quarters.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
NBN rollout to be bolstered with $3b network upgrade
High-speed internet will be rolled out to a further 620,000 homes in the 'final piece of the puzzle' for NBN upgrades.
As dollar dips towards 60c, tariff threat may Trump all
The Aussie dollar is edging closer to the psychologically significant 60 US cents barrier and Donald Trump could determine whether it crashes through in 2025.
Casino hub could be first to go to save falling Star
A casino precinct might be the first asset sold from an embattled operator's multi-million dollar portfolio in a bid to avoid going belly up.
Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
Upgraded NBN could compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink
Australia must expand its network if it wants to compete with Elon Musk's offering and provide affordable, reliable internet to the regions, an expert says.
Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future
Easing inflation is increasing the likelihood of a near-term rate cut, which would provide a welcome boost to consumer sentiment in 2025.
Experts put money on early rate cut as spending slides
A decline in spending on household goods has bolstered hopes of an RBA rate cut, which would help boost dour consumer sentiment.
Dictator’s daughter agrees to booze ban on flights
The glamorous daughter of ex-Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Sr has agreed not to drink alcohol on planes following an alleged drunken incident.
No magical save for Star as govt focuses on workers
As the shares of embattled casino operator Star Entertainment fall to an all-time low, a state government has ruled out giving it a financial lifeline.
PM finishes three-state blitz with key message
Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have launched a soft test of their pitches to voters ahead of the federal election after a week of unofficial campaigning.
Aussie shares drop for second day but gain for week
The ASX200 fell on Friday but finished the week 0.5 per cent higher, recovering from a slight fall during the previous five days of trading.
Tourists splash cash in Australia’s holiday hotspots
Parking nightmares and long lines at coffee shops are common in Australia's beachside towns during peak season - a period local businesses rely on.
Friendly robots, AI litter boxes: the new tech frontier
Wild, weird and unexpected gadgets have been shown in Las Vegas as part of an annual tech fest, with AI powering some household devices for the first time.