Record retail sales in December quarter
Easing of lockdown restrictions and a splurge by festive season shoppers have helped retail sales jump by a record 8.2 per cent in the December quarter.
Economy, Business and Finance
Aussie power bills fall to 10th lowest in the world due to influx of renewables
Australian consumers are now paying some of the lowest power bills in the OECD, with households in Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Japan paying more for their power
Fuel pump first for zero-emission hydrogen
Australia's first green hydrogen project has been certified as some governments look to drive alternative fuels and fleets.
Forget coal and gas for prosperity: poll
Months out from a federal election, a poll shows voters in the resource-rich political hunting grounds of NSW and Queensland back renewables over coal and gas.
Strong wage growth still key to rate rise
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has again put stronger wages growth as a key element before raising the cash rate.
Rate rise plausible later this year: Lowe
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe said a cash rate rise is "plausible" later this year but he is surprised by the multiple moves priced in financial markets.
Crown’s last pitch to WA royal commission
Crown has argued it should be allowed to continue operating its Perth casino as a West Australian royal commission prepares to deliver its findings.
RBA to stay patient before lifting rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe says the central bank board is prepared to remain patient before lifting interest rates.
Labor accused of ‘humiliating’ gas switch
Labor has changed its tune and backs building a new gas-fired plant in NSW on the condition it runs completely on green hydrogen by the decade's end.
Minister defends carbon farming ‘red tape’
The federal government has been accused of proposing 'excessive red tape' that will undermine its own carbon market, farmers' projects and business plans.
Far North QLD could be hydrogen HQ
Research suggests, based on where the cheapest renewable enerhy is located, Far North Queensland and Tasmania, will be the best locations in Australia to produce green hydrogen.
Stinky old uniforms will build the future
As the kids of Australia head back to school, a Sydney family is forging ahead with a sustainable solution to the mountains of tired old uniforms they produce.
Misery craves company in tourism revival
Hidden away on the south coast of WA, Misery Beach has beaten out iconic coastal swimming spots to be crowned Australia's best beach.
Housing shortage hurts regional Australia
High rents and housing shortages in regional Australia are making it difficult for some people to return home, while also forcing out essential workers.
Qld must offer small business support: LNP
The Queensland Opposition says the state government must provide support for COVID-hit small businesses.
Capital city house price boom set to fade
While runaway capital city house price growth is expected to simmer this year, research indicates it may still reach 10 per cent Australia-wide.
Lofty petrol prices tipped to move higher
Motorists cringing at the price of petrol should brace for more financial pain as tension in Europe and a recovering economy send oil prices higher.
Inflation pressures accelerate further
The consumer price index rose by a larger than expected 1.3 per cent in the December quarter, lifting the annual rate to 3.5 per cent.
Jobless drop helps to steady confidence
.A sharp drop in the unemployment rate has helped lift confidence, but consumers are still concerned about the inflation outlook.
Masks to stay as NSW COVID-19 cases rise
Mask rules and hospitality density limits will continue in NSW as the state records 18,512 new cases and 29 deaths.
Vital diesel exhaust fuel supplies boosted
Supplies of a diesel exhaust fuel vital to keeping the country's freight and logistics sectors on track have been significantly boosted in Australia.
Government MPs back WeChat boycott
Chinese-Australian MP Gladys Liu will boycott WeChat as a communication platform with Chinese constituents after it hijacked the prime minister's account.
Treasurer calls for equal WeChat access
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Chinese social media platform WeChat should be available to all politicians to communicate with Australia's Chinese community.
Tasmania again tops rankings: CommSec
Commonwealth Securities quarterly State of States report has found Tasmania topping the ladder for the eighth consecutive quarter.
Property profits up despite lockdowns
The portion of profit-making property sales is expected to continue rising in the coming months but can't last forever, says a leading real estate specialist.
ASX traders sell as rate expectations rise
Rising bond yields have lured ASX investors from shares as they brace for higher global interest rates in 2022.
SA abattoir defends handling of virus
The operators of an abattoir in SA's southeast have defended their handling of a coronavirus outbreak that spread from the local community to the facility.
Reasons for economic optimism: treasurer
Deloitte Access Economics analyst Chris Richardson is upbeat on Australia's outlook despite the challenges posted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Iron ore miners carry ASX to modest gain
Iron ore miners have benefited from production challenges in Brazil and ensured ASX investors are ahead for the week with one trading day remaining.
Farmers urge shopper calm amid COVID-19
Farmers have urged calm amid supply chain concerns saying there is plenty of fresh produce available, while urging the competition watchdog to intervene.
Confidence drops on rapid Omicron spread
The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index has dropped 2.2 per cent as a result of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.