‘Cautious’ RBA on hold as election, tariffs threaten
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate unchanged at 4.1 per cent, as global uncertainty clouds the economic outlook.
Economy, Business and Finance
Managing Trump, tariffs looms large in bid for votes
Australia's political leaders say biosecurity and medicines are not up for debate in response to tariffs set to be announced by US President Donald Trump
Brick by brick, parties build election housing pitches
Tackling housing instability is key to securing an election win, with Labor vouching for build-to-rent while the coalition says Australians should own a home.
Dutton’s airport link plan branded ‘April Fools’ joke’
A federal coalition plan to "redirect" funding for a controversial Melbourne rail loop project to an airport link has been slammed by state Labor.
Hearing aids to heart monitors: tech is going healthy
More consumer technology is being approved for medical use in Australia, from earbuds that work as hearing aids to smartwatches that test for heart problems.
Contamination fears: supermarkets pull popular products
Five supermarket chains have pulled dozens of products from their shelves, warning customers of a potential health risk.
‘Liberation Day’ overshadows Reserve Bank’s rate call
The Reserve Bank is expected to leave rates on hold at its next meeting despite the expected negative impact of more US tariffs on Australia's economic growth.
Rise of NDAs in sexual harassment cases silencing women
Advocates are pushing for reforms to stop the silencing of women in workplace sexual harassment cases and to allow survivors to seek support.
Super failings laid bare after ‘deep grief, suffering’
The peak body for super funds has apologised after a financial watchdog report revealed delays were rife in paying out death benefits to bereaved families.
Crowded market for streaming TV faces Max exodus
A new streaming service offers a host of big movies and small-screen hits, posing questions about the future of a crowded market for on-demand viewing.
Alarm over tariffs sends Australian shares $42b lower
Australian shares are heading towards a second straight quarter of losses for the first time since 2022 as incoming tariffs increase the risk of a US recession.
Call for household battery help to plug energy concerns
Cutting the price of solar batteries would lower household bills while easing pressure on the energy network, say groups pushing for a national scheme.
State oversight of flailing Star’s casino extended
Casino operator Star Entertainment has accepted a watchdog needs to continue overseeing its tables in Sydney amid financial woes and remediation works.
Casino licence suspension delay a lucky break for Star
A 90-day suspension of Star Entertainment Group's Gold Coast casino licence has been deferred for six months, but the company has been put on notice.
Dire stat demands ‘urgent reform’ from election winner
Whoever forms government after the election will need to deliver substantive reform to fix Australia's long-term productivity challenge, economists say.
Tariffs and growth slump a concern for banking leaders
Australia's economic growth forecasts have been downgraded due to Donald Trump's trade war, keeping its most important financial leaders on their toes.
How listening to Country can lead to better design
Designed to represent the bends of the Baaka (Darling) River, it is hoped this cultural centre will help inspire the next generation of architects.
Home owners reap windfall as buyers warned on new units
Home sellers notched a record profit in last three months of 2024 but not every property owner will be so lucky in the future, real estate researchers warn.
Tough times haven’t stopped Aussies shopping online
Online shopping continues to soar in popularity in Australia, as cost-of-living pressures change the way we spend, and determines which retailers will survive.
Why shock drop in jobs won’t shift RBA rate cut bets
Fewer older Australians returned to work in February, driving a surprise fall in jobs and workforce participation but the labour market remains tight overall.
RSPCA pulls approval for salmon farm after mass deaths
A salmon farm where workers were filmed sealing live fish in boxes has had its RSPCA tick of approval removed following an investigation.
Watchdog unveils plan to end supermarket shrinkflation
The competition watchdog has resisted calls for powers to break up major supermarkets in a report, while calling for more transparency to tackle price-gouging.
Coles, Woolies guilty of increasing margins: watchdog
Treasurer Jim Chalmers promised a crackdown on major supermarkets following a consumer watchdog report, but warned breaking them up would be counterproductive.
Cross-party nod for probe into ‘rogue’ childcare firms
Shocking claims of rampant child mistreatment in privately operated centres have triggered a government-backed inquiry into the early education sector.
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
‘Hip pocket help’ on its way in pre-election sweetener
Australians will receive more energy bill relief in the federal budget but the Liberals argue it's only needed because Labor has allowed costs to blow out.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush
The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.
Food and fibre get millions to fend off Trump tariffs
The federal government has moved to defend Australia's agricultural exports, as the sector prepares to have one of its biggest production years on record.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.
Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook
Australia's federal budget is forecast to eclipse $1 trillion in debt for the first time in 2025/26, as global challenges threaten the nation's coffers.