Shelved NSW trade boss neutral on decision
A NSW trade boss overlooked for a prestigious role has dismissed it as "the decisions of government", during an inquiry into overseas appointments.
Economy, Business and Finance
Code of conduct could lower gas prices
Jim Chalmers says a mandatory code of conduct for gas retailers could help to bring down soaring power prices, but he still can't say when that might happen.
Mall owner Vicinity says foot traffic up
Vicinity Centres says foot traffic at its malls in September was at 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels, and visitors are spending more.
Seven in court over $450m cricket contract
Seven will contest the quality of last season's BBL, where lower-grade players were used when compared to the IPL, in its court fight with Cricket Australia.
Energy law change to push down gas prices
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has reached a deal with state and territory ministers which he says will put downward pressure on gas prices.
Service stations to get extreme makeover
Petrol stations will undergo a major change over the coming years, becoming places to hang out and recharge rather than simply fill up and go.
Resume culling now: NSW Farmers, Greens
NSW Farmers and the Greens have formed an unlikely alliance, calling for the immediate resumption of the aerial culling of pests, which pose a biosecurity risk.
ANZ beats expectations but shares fall
Big-four lender ANZ has outperformed expectations with a $6.5 billion full-year profit and a higher dividend, but its shares have dropped nearly four per cent.
Businesses could shut as energy costs soar
Soaring energy prices will burn a hole in the pockets of Australian businesses as growing gas dominance triples the cost of wholesale electricity.
House prices plunge 4.9 per cent from peak
The housing market has tumbled in capital cities across the country, with prices down 4.9 per cent from their March peak.
Budget missed chance for relief: Dutton
Peter Dutton has used his first budget reply speech to attack the lack of cost-of-living measures put forward by the government while inflation rises.
Budget ‘fleeced’ NSW again: Perrottet
Dominic Perrottet says NSW has been stiffed of infrastructure funding after money was taken away from several projects.
Regional communities ‘neglected’ in budget
Residents in regional communities are at risk of being 'neglected' in the federal budget, following the scrapping of infrastructure projects.
ASX gives up gains on inflation surprise
The local share market is struggling to stay in positive territory after third-quarter inflation came in higher than expected.
Food supply needs more focus say farmers
Farmers say Tuesday's budget doesn't do enough to increase food supply but have welcomed an injection in funds across the agriculture sector.
Medibank hack impacted all 4m customers
Medibank has confirmed hackers accessed the personal information of all four million of its customers, as well as significant amounts of health data.
Annual inflation soars to 7.3 per cent
The latest inflation figures confirmed what households already knew - cost of living pressures are showing no signs of easing.
Slaying inflation dragon key: Chalmers
Jim Chalmers has begun the task of budget repair, even as households face power price spikes and lower real wages due to rising inflation.
Power prices tipped to rise by 50 per cent
Retail electricity prices are expected to rise by 50 per cent over the next two years, the budget papers have revealed.
Workers must wait two years for a pay rise
A gloomy economy will weigh on household budgets with a boost to real wages not expected until at least mid-2024.
Environmental projects get ‘down payment’
More than $1 billion will go towards protecting the Great Barrier Reef, with budget funds also set aside to save the nation's iconic endangered animals.
Injured veterans to get extra $1000 a year
Injured military veterans will soon receive an extra $1000 a year and hundreds of support staff will be hired to process their claims.
Budget ‘improves liveability’ in regions
The Albanese government says it is committed to regional Australia's future, funding health, skills and connectivity, while delaying dam projects.
Record energy spending amid global crisis
Record budget funding for landmark energy reforms is intended to steady the electricity grid and encourage investors to bankroll Australia's net zero future.
No more ‘sleepwalking’ on manufacturing
A $15 billion fund has been set up to stop Australia "sleepwalking" as rival economies seize new opportunities in advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.
$350m to kickstart housing affordability
Australians priced out of the rental market are set to benefit from a $350 million affordable housing scheme included in the federal budget.
Chalmers braces for budget belt tightening
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled a budget that includes cost of living relief and down payments on election promises, but warns of hard decisions to come.
ASX rallies on suggestion of Fed pivot
The local share market rose 1.54 per cent on talk the US might finally ease its rate tightening campaign later this year.
Petrol price spike looms for motorists
Some retailers are already charging more than $2 a litre as cities move into the first new fuel cycle since petrol tax relief expired.
Budget tips $1b into regional grant revamp
Two new regional grants programs will be introduced by the Albanese government in the upcoming budget, to improve transparency of decision making.
Weak dollar a ‘modest’ inflation driver
The weakening Australian dollar will make imports more expensive but the RBA says its effects will be relatively minor.