Michael Hill International CEO dies unexpectedly
The chief of leading jewellery chain Michael Hill has died suddenly after suffering an adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying condition.
Economy, Business and Finance
Coles gains on Woolies, grabs sales during rival’s woes
Coles estimates it scored $120 million in extra sales during a 17-day strike by Woolworths workers, as it announces superior sales growth than its big rival.
Qantas shares take off on strong first-half result
Qantas says it has learned its lessons after posting a strong return to form with a nearly $1.4 billion first-half underlying profit after tax.
‘Cruise from hell’ passengers reimbursed and then some
Passengers will get back about double what they paid for a storm-affected P&O cruise from Australia to the south Pacific.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Nuclear plan may miss nation’s energy goal by a decade
Switching from renewable energy to a nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and produce significantly more emissions.
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
Australian households may face changes to the way rooftop solar is handled as electricity grids adapt to more renewable energy created during daylight hours.
Hackers may have stolen IVF patients’ personal data
Major IVF provider Genea has informed patients a cyber attack may have compromised their personal information, including medical records and treatments.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Nation grinds to a halt without steel, industry warns
Rescuing Whyalla's steelworks is essential to maintain sovereign steel capability - vital to the economy and national security, the industry peak body says.
No more myki: passengers set for ticketless travel
Victorians are set to get ticketless public transport travel, with train passengers soon able to tap on and off with bank cards and their phones.
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
BHP trims dividend to 8-year low amid weak China demand
BHP will pay shareholders an interim dividend of $A78 cents per share, down from $A1.13 per share a year ago, after a 23 per cent profit drop.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Date finally set for Brisbane Olympic stadium reveal
A 2032 Olympic stadium plan is set to finally be revealed, ending years of speculation over what will take centre stage as the Brisbane Games' marquee venue.
Disgraced MP ‘never asked for a dollar’ from $48m deal
Former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire says he never expected payment for his part in a multimillion-dollar property deal he helped broker.
Calls for ‘deeper focus’ on Indigenous economic policy
The federal government must "rebalance and re-prioritise" social and economic policy to help close the gap, a First Nations group says.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
One rate dip won’t cut it with voters who want action
Most Australians blame big corporations and not government for the rising cost of living so a lone interest rate cut won't sway their vote, polling indicates.
Santos cuts dividend, says Barossa project nearly done
Santos says its $5.7 billion offshore gas project north of Darwin that was disrupted by a court challenge from three Tiwi Islanders, is nearing completion.
Steelworks forced into administration to ‘save’ future
South Australia has ended months of uncertainty over a critical steelworks by placing the plant into administration.
Espionage and terror threats grow in dangerous era
From hostile foreign nations targeting diaspora communities to youth radicalised online, the top spy agency's annual threat assessment warns risks have grown.
Regional house prices rise as capital city values fall
Australia's historically affordable regional housing markets have continued to demonstrate resilience, compared to a price decline in capital cities.
‘More gaps, more drop-outs’: rise in complaints post-3G
Telcos have been urged to do better in rural Australia, with continued reports of poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G mobile network closed.
Telstra hikes dividend, announces $750m share buy-back
Telstra says it made $1.1 billion in profit in the six months to December 31, up 7.1 per cent from the same period in 2023.
Australian shares push further into record territory
The ASX200 has finished marginally higher at its best-ever level and set an intraday record amid a spate of corporate earnings reports.
Origin bets on gas and batteries to keep the lights on
Leading energy retailer Origin Energy says it is "well-placed" to benefit from the energy transition as it bets on big batteries to help keep the lights on.