Super giants tapped to compensate for self-managed duds
The federal government will force retail and industry super funds to help compensate people who lose their retirement nest eggs to failed private schemes.
Economy, Business and Finance
Weeks wait for social media ban data to come online
Australians will have to wait a little longer to learn how effective a contentious social media ban has been for the nation's children.
Six figures or out: income needed for typical rental
To be able to afford rent for a typical house, Australians need to be earning 51 per cent more than they did before the pandemic.
Mixed employment report won’t make RBA’s job any easier
Unemployment and jobs growth figures for November tell differing stories about the strength of the labour market, providing little clarity for the Reserve Bank.
Tax reform call as data centre boom plugs in investment
A jump in forecast business investment in the midyear budget update will be unveiled by the treasurer, which bodes well for Australia's productivity growth.
Divided US central bank cuts rate, signals pause
The US central bank has reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months.
Myer hails Black Friday boom as top label nears return
Department store Myer achieved its biggest biggest Black Friday sale performance on record as it prepares to relaunch a fast fashion brand in Australia.
‘No value’: bank defends dropped no-deforestation plan
Westpac's agricultural customers were clear. Its stand against deforestation is of no value, so the bank dropped plans for a forest protection policy.
Travel expenses saga takes flight as PM defends rules
A senator's taxpayer-funded travel to a netball match is among the latest travel expenses of federal politicians to go under the microscope.
‘They know where I live’: CFMEU harassment laid bare
A rival union boss has detailed alleged threats and harassment from shadowy CFMEU figures as an inquiry probes the rogue operation.
Indigenous-run station turning a wild problem into food
On an Aboriginal-owned station in one of the country's most remote regions, wild cattle are looked at as a solution after decades of causing problems.
Aust’s biggest self-storage chain to be taken private
National Storage, which owns 290 self-storage locations in Australia and New Zealand, has agreed to be acquired by Brookfield and GIC for $4 billion.
Rate rise flagged as RBA does a Grinch with no Xmas cut
More rate relief for borrowers has essentially been ruled out by the Reserve Bank governor as the central bank mulls over when to lift rates again.
After review, USA going all the way on AUKUS pact
Penny Wong and Richard Marles have met their US counterparts with both nations labelling the AUKUS deal as "full steam ahead".
Avo go at this: Aussie exports fuel hopes for new year
Australians are expected to eat 5kg of avocados per person in the new year, as bumper harvests and export demand boost optimism across the agricultural sector.
NRL sets itself as unity force against China in PNG
With a team set to join the NRL in 2028, Papua New Guinea is walking a delicate tightrope between ties to Australia and economic opportunities abroad.
Economy has huge issues, billionaire retail icon warns
Premier Investments shares have plunged as the owner of Smiggle and Peter Alexander blames lower earnings forecast on the economy.
Developer denies reported links to organised crime
A billion dollar property development firm claims Nine news reports alleging links with organised criminals such as the Alameddines were false and damaging.
Faster Renewables Needed to Curb Future Price Hikes
A new AEMC report warns that delays in renewables and transmission could send household bills soaring by up to 20%. The race is on to build faster.
KFC chain upsizes sales but consumers wait in the wings
The company running nearly 300 KFC restaurants across Australia says it is focused on providing value to consumers who are still concerned about living costs.
Duplexes could be key to solving housing crisis
Developing just a fraction of single-occupancy homes in Australian cities into duplexes would be enough to eliminate the nation's housing shortfall.
‘Didn’t get it right’: BOM defends website cost blowout
The Bureau of Meteorology's chief executive is standing by controversial changes to its website overhaul as he faces a senate grilling.
Regional bank warns ‘we are living in a time of change’
A bank board has faced shareholder questions about its decision to bring in a technology solutions partner, amid widespread change in the finance sector.
Ag bosses told of land clearing reforms at last minute
Farmers are unsure how to continue work under fast-tracked changes to land clearing laws, which have been hailed as a milestone for conservation.
Australian economy builds as investment roars back
Australia's economic growth rate came in below market expectations, but a strong domestic pulse shows the economy is in good shape.
Emotions high as divisive AFL stadium gets green light
A divisive stadium which paves the way for Tasmania's AFL and AFLW teams has secured parliamentary approval, with one MP in tears as she confirmed her support.
YouTube ‘outright weird’ for saying platform isn’t safe
YouTube needs to fix its safety after the tech giant criticised Australia's world-leading laws protecting kids, the communications minister says.
Chinese economic slowdown at top of RBA’s mind
Slowing Chinese economic growth and persistently high inflation are "top of mind" for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Motorists pooh pooh petrol for low-emission options
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are closing the gap on their petrol rivals with sales figures showing a change in consumer sentiment.
Cyclone-hit coastal town blows away house value gains
The housing market strongly rebounded in 2025 as interest rate cuts, easing inflation and limited supply fired up competition, the latest property data shows.
Push to ramp-up fire ant battle as new nest found
Fire ants are hampering agriculture, tourism and even kids' sport, with calls for more federal funding to control the spread of one of the world's worst pests.