Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
Economy, Business and Finance
Insurance giant sued over ‘loyalty tax’ on policies
A class action has been filed against NRMA Insurance's parent on behalf of millions of customers allegedly ripped off on home and contents insurance policies.
Myer brings in body cameras, radios to keep staff safe
Mid-market department store Myer is beefing up security in its stores to protect workers and reduce the amount of theft.
Work on ‘safe’ nuclear reactors from day one of victory
A warning it will take "decades" to make coal sites safe for nuclear reactors has been dismissed as polling shows staunch opposition from women voters.
Potential credit rating drop keeps government dangling
Project cost blowouts and extra government spending could put too much pressure on a state's budget for it to retain its longstanding AA+ credit rating.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Where home prices are expected to grow fastest in 2025
Australian property values are set to keep rising over the next 12 months but controversial tax changes are helping keep one state's home price growth in check.
Are you better off: question at heart of next election
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
‘Crypto summer is back with a bang’: Bitcoin hits $100k
There's a sense of euphoria among Aussie crypto enthusiasts after bitcoin broke through the $US100,000 level, and many believe the rally is just beginning.
Calls for leniency over ‘inept’ attempts to fleece bank
A group's attempts to defraud a major bank out of more than $20 million have been described as rudimentary and doomed to fail.
Aussie shares higher amid hopes for third US rate cut
The ASX200 finished up as bitcoin smashed through the $US100,000 mark for the first time and markets took a lead on possible rate cuts in the US.
Woolies wins battle in warehouse worker stoush
Supermarket giant Woolworths will start restocking shelves after the workplace umpire backed its fight against workers blocking crucial distribution centres.
Tide turns for retailers with shop tills tipped to ring
Australians have been saving what they can as living costs soar but experts expect more spending in the next 12 months, especially when interest rates are cut.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Aussie shares dip, on track to finish the week flat
The ASX200 was down half a per cent at midday ahead of a key US jobs report that could determine whether the Fed cuts interest rates one more time this year.
Aussie shares drop ahead of key US jobs report
The ASX200 has fallen 0.6 per cent ahead of a key US jobs report that could determine whether the Fed cuts interest rates one more time in 2024.
Indigenous winemakers pouring culture into every drop
An Indigenous-owned wine company is celebrating its success, as it expands internationally and gives back to community.
Woolies rushes to deck the shelves with Christmas stock
Woolworths is counting the cost of a 17-day strike that took millions of dollars from their bottom line and left shelves empty in the lead-up to Christmas.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
Free public wi-fi ‘gamechanger’ for remote communities
More than 20 communities will have free wi-fi in public spaces through a $20 million government program to address the digital divide in remote areas.
New homes lead the way in energy efficiency
Canberra boasts the most energy efficient homes in Australia but cities with older stock like Sydney and Hobart are lagging.
Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
Vehicles are getting bigger but more efficient, a transport study has found, but Australia is still being lapped by other nations on low-emission cars.
How a Trump presidency could affect Aussie produce
Farmers are keeping a close eye on US president-elect Donald Trump's commitment to impose tariffs on imports.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
Warnings of blackouts as rural workers go on strike
Electricity workers are preparing to walk off the job as a pay dispute, simmers, with regional residents warned of potential blackouts at the start of summer.
The 50 million reasons Woolies wants blockade to end
Woolworths says strike action has cost the company $50 million as it lodges an urgent application to ban workers from blocking access to its warehouses.
Urgent action needed to stamp out battery fire risks
Companies who import electronic goods to Australia should be forced to register and recycle their batteries, an expert says, to address growing fire risks.
Thirty licences to open a cafe: state red tape ranked
Australian business must work through a patchwork of regulations wherever they operate, but requirements in some states are more onerous than in others.
Milestone for renewable energy to power iron ore port
An energy project combining cyclone-busting solar panels and a big battery has been built in the Pilbara region to decarbonise iron ore port operations.
KFC franchisee takes hit as costs eat into profit
KFC and Taco Bell franchisee Collins Foods says its underlying profit was down by nearly a quarter in the first half.