Open-home rape, abuse claims as estate agent on trial
A real estate agent accused of raping and sexually abusing three women at multiple open homes is fighting the allegations in court.
Economy, Business and Finance
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate and non-profit organisations.
Heat dialled up on minister over triple-zero outages
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been questioned about her handling of a triple-zero outage, as reforms to the emergency network are introduced.
Gold shines, equities lose lustre in tired trading day
Only Australia's raw materials sector has managed to close higher as the local bourse faded in a sluggish trading session.
Soaring rents push people further from jobs, community
Australian renters are paying on average an extra $204 per week to keep a roof over their heads compared to five years ago, a nearly 44 per cent increase.
Olympic 2032 chiefs throw open billions for business
Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games organisers want the state's firms to hit gold with business opportunities, urging small to medium-sized operators to get involved.
Next-generation solar technology inches closer to roofs
More efficient solar cells are getting closer to commercial launch thanks to a breakthrough involving a new design and more durable chemicals.
Why Google wants you to ask long, complicated questions
More web queries will be answered by artificial intelligence when Google expands technology tested in the US to its Australian users.
Hearings reveal Optus bungled triple-zero outage email
Federal authorities only found out about a catastrophic Optus triple-zero outage a day after it was resolved because the telco notified the wrong email address.
Toll road giant exploring $10b pipeline of new projects
With new roads in western Sydney and western Melbourne set to open soon, a major toll road group is exploring other opportunities, including in Brisbane.
No future made in Australia without gas: Bluescope boss
Australian industrial gas users are subsidising the cost of gas going to competitors overseas dues to a broken pricing system, Bluescope Steel's boss says
RBNZ gives ‘shock treatment’ for lagging Kiwi economy
The NZ dollar has fallen after central bank cut rates to 2.5 per cent, with hopes it will revive the Kiwi economy and the government's political fortunes.
Hands out for handouts: bailouts loom for more smelters
More taxpayer bailouts could be on the horizon for ailing facilities after a $600 million lifeline to one mining giant.
Renters surprise winners from cheaper mortgage deposits
Despite predictions a five per cent deposit scheme will drive up house prices, analysts say the government policy could be good news for the nation's renters.
Thermal battery an energy answer in hot heavy industry
Electrifying factories could significantly reduce carbon emissions by allowing heavy industry to store and use heat like power in a battery.
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
The economy is in a "good spot" but one sector is proving more stubborn than expected, the boss of the Reserve Bank says.
Australian shares on track for red week as miners weigh
A weak session on Wall Street and slumping commodity prices have provided a gloomy backdrop for the last session of the week as local equities edge lower.
‘Climate vandalism’: state under fire over energy plan
A state's energy plan has sparked outrage after pledging to keep coal-fired power plants open for decades, potentially putting pressure on emissions targets.
Australian shares end week lower as miners tumble
A slump in Australian miners has dragged the bourse lower heading into the weekend, as investors took profits after a run up in commodity prices.
Coal power lifeline risks unreliability, bill shock
The Sunshine State's coal-fired power stations are set to operate longer in a move some critics worry risks unreliability and higher bills.
Critical minerals talk heats up before PM’s US visit
Australia is keen to lock in a critical minerals deal with the US ahead of Anthony Albanese's talks with Donald Trump and fears of China's market dominance.
Controversial gas project extension sparks legal action
Landmark legal challenges have been launched after the Commonwealth's controversial decision to green light a 40-year gas hub extension near ancient rock art.
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
Crucial economic data in coming weeks could determine when mortgage holders can expect more interest rate relief, the Reserve Bank board says.
Parcel-packing electric trikes to roll out by Christmas
Australia's largest electric fleet is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of three-wheeled vehicles capable of carrying more parcels.
Australian shares nudge record before edging lower
Gold and Bitcoin have reset their record highs and Australia's share market could do the same this week as investors position for a bullish fourth quarter.
Japanese stocks soar four per cent, gold hits record
Japan's Nikkei index has soared past the 47,000 level for the first time and gold climbed to a record peak above $US3,900.
Australian shares edge lower in subdued start to week
Strong commodity prices have counterbalanced other losses in a sluggish start to the week, which is set to be a quiet one for macroeconomic events and data.
Overheated share markets may risk financial meltdown
Australia's central bank warns overpriced stock markets, cyber threats and weakness in China threatens the nation's financial stability.
Libs nuclear bond solidifies as leader stamps authority
The opposition leader has issued a directive to her front bench to respect their colleagues' portfolios as she pushes her team to be more proactive on policy.
Networks join forces to create $416m media monolith
A $416 million merger between the owner of Australia's most popular TV network and the country's biggest radio broadcaster has ignited their share prices.
Rock art safeguards weakened despite gas hub’s harms
The federal environment minister thinks the North West Shelf gas project is damaging ancient rock art, despite opting for weaker emissions restrictions.