Consumers brace for sharp rise in rates
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute monthly consumer survey showed a sharp drop in confidence as Australians brace for more interest rate increases.
Economy, Business and Finance
ASX down 2.5 per cent in early trade
Roundup of ASX and finance activity. There will be a noon update, another at the close of the ASX and then a final wrap by 1730 (AEST).
Exporting the dollars: How Australian solar technology is making foreigners rich
Queenslanders are missing out on the jobs of the future because governments have not focused on making things in Australia.
Proposed grid reforms energise investors
Moves to redesign Australia's electricity grid to better support renewable energy projects have been welcomed by institutional investors in the sector.
Petrol prices up again despite tax support
Petrol prices are continuing to climb across Australia, with some cities paying more than 180 cents a litre as global factors undermine the cut in fuel excise.
Farmers fear resurgent mouse plague
Farmers are being urged to check paddocks for signs of mice amid reports of increased numbers of the rodents in the wake of extensive damage last year.
Swipe-free smartphone for the ages
Australian seniors who struggle with technology could benefit from a simplified smartphone, designed to prevent scam calls and messages.
Greens to call for young voter ‘uprising’
Greens Leader Adam Bandt says young people have to fight for their future as the party turns to first-time voters to strengthen their foothold in Canberra.
Cost cuts limit Westpac H1 profit drop
Competition and higher provisions have weighed on Westpac's first half results, with cash profit declining 12 per cent to $3.1 billion.
Three Star executives resign amid probe
Three Star executives have resigned in the midst of an inquiry into the company's fitness to hold a Sydney casino licence.
Dairy farmers ‘squeezed on milk prices’
Dairy farmers say they are being sent to the wall over milk prices, as one NSW farmer prepares to walk away from the industry because of increasing costs.
Hydrogen to fuel Gladstone jobs bonanza
A hydrogen and ammonia-producing plant coming to Gladstone will create nearly 2,600 jobs and propel central Queensland to becoming what the state government calls a “clean energy powerhouse”.
Cybersecurity risk ruling for fin services
RI Advice Group has breached its licence obligations by failing to have adequate risk management systems to manage its cybersecurity risks, a court has ruled.
Fuel costs up 40 per cent in one year
Capital city household transport costs are more than $400 a week, with higher fuel costs taking up a greater proportion of the overall spend, a report says.
SA to withdraw Russian investments
South Australia has introduced legislation to parliament to divest the state government of any investments in Russian assets.
Qantas to buy rest of key charter operator
Alliance Aviation Services and Qantas have agreed for the latter to fully take over the leading contract and charter flights operator.
Sunny future for solar manufacturing in regional Queensland
From the biggest solar power-producing car park in Australia, to powering the National Zoo in Canberra, one Mackay-based business is proving the future jobs and economics of the renewables manufacturing industry already here.
Morrison, Albanese pitch plans for economy
Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese are emphasising their economic credentials, against a backdrop of rising interest rates and cost of living pressures.
NAB lifts first-half profit, dividend
National Australia Bank's first-half cash profit has risen 4.1 per cent, and the lender has also lifted its interim dividend to 73 cents a share.
ANZ lifts H1 profit, eyes improved margins
The nation's third-largest bank has reported a lift in first-half profit after tightly managing costs and improving home loan processing times.
ASX drops 0.4pc following cash rate hike
The Australian share market has closed lower for a second day after the Reserve Bank raised the cash rate higher than expected.
Morrison offers sympathy over rate rise
As the Reserve Bank decided on its first cash rate lift in almost 12 years, Scott Morrison says he understands some home borrowers will face tougher times.
Australia’s rocketing rural land prices
A report from the Rural Bank shows rural land values have hit their highest level of growth in 27 years, with parts of Tasmania seeing the biggest hikes.
Rate hikes needed to curb inflation: RBA
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned that without increases in interest rates, inflation will be a lot higher than present.
Rate rise to put pressure on home prices
Australian house price growth is slowing nationally and could come under further pressure as official interest rates start to rise.
Qantas to launch Sydney to London and New York non-stop in 2025
Qantas is buying a fleet of long-range, wide-body Airbus planes to service non-stop flights from Australia's east coast to London, Paris and New York.
Petrol prices on the rise despite tax cut
Petrol prices have risen for a second week in a row as international oil prices climb on continued supply concerns due to the Ukrainian war.
National standards adapt to new challenges
A future in which the digital economy is at risk of cyber threats and natural disasters demands new national standards, a report says.
Labor to charge electric vehicle take-up
Labor has pledged to double the Commonwealth's $250 million Future Fuels Fund and establish a new Driving the Nation Fund to accelerate electric vehicle uptake.
Rising rural land prices lock farmers out
As rural land prices continue to soar in some parts of Australia, primary producers hoping to break into the ownership market remain optimistic.
ASX rebounds with best day in 3 months
The Australian share market has bounced bank from three days of losses, gaining 1.3 per cent, its best single-day performance since January 28.