New homebuyers using smaller deposits, borrowing more
Borrowing patterns of first homebuyers are changing as they take advantage of government subsidies, Australia's biggest lender says.
Economy, Business and Finance
Charter owner charged over sophisticated ‘black flight’
A "black flight" that allegedly flew two fugitives out of Australia to Indonesia has led to the arrest of an aviation company owner for people smuggling.
Aussie shares tumble as oil spikes after tankers struck
Oil prices have surged as the Middle East conflict escalates, overshadowing a plan to release millions of barrels of crude reserves to shore up supply.
Fuel supply boosted as oil price threatens record highs
The government has temporarily lowered Australia's fuel quality standards to boost supplies as the war in the Middle East disrupts global markets.
Fatal mine crash likely had medical cause, coroner told
There were two plausible theories for why a drill rig worker suddenly accelerated his ute before fatally crashing into a mine truck, a coroner has been told.
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
World faces largest-ever oil disruption on Mideast war
A global energy watchdog has released a record emergency release of crude as it warns the US-Israeli war on Iran is causing the biggest oil shock in history.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
Police back e-bike crackdown after two teenagers die
Two teenagers riding an e-bike have died in a horrific head-on collision with a Harley Davidson, raising more questions about the safety of the devices.
Servos under the pump over quickfire fuel price hikes
Petrol and diesel prices were hiked dramatically almost straight after war broke out in the Middle East, the consumer watchdog has found.
Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure
Australia has stockpiled more than a month's supply of fuel and is as "prepared as possible" as the war in the Middle East continues to impact global supply,
Postcode where more drivers plug into electric car cuts
More than 100,000 Australians have taken advantage of the federal government's tax exemption for electric vehicles but households in one location are most keen.
State finally launches ticketless travel – with a catch
Train passengers in one state will finally be able to pay fares with bank cards or iPhones, but the system will only be available to some commuters.
Missing man found alive as floods spark more rescues
A man who went missing from a houseboat has been found alive as major flooding continues to impact communities across the nation's north.
Emergency global stockpile oil coming soon, IEA says
Emergency oil reserves from Asia and Oceania will be available immediately, the International Energy Agency says as it details the release of stockpiles.
Gambler’s regret as Star-dudded suit loses millions
Casino giant Star Entertainment will be millions out of pocket after appearing to sue the wrong party in a court case over dangerous combustible cladding.
Trump-Xi meeting could be delayed, White House says
A White House spokeswoman says it is possible US President Donald Trump's visit to China could be delayed.
Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation
Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.
Australian shares pare early gains for modest rebound
Hopes of a timely end to the Middle East conflict sparked a relief rally on the local bourse, but the optimism was limited, capping gains by the close.
Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions
Steel producers could cut carbon emissions in half by substituting agricultural waste for coal in its production, a world-first trial has found.
Double whammy: food prices warning over war fuel shock
Panic buying has forced some regional service stations to impose fuel restrictions as farmers warn shoppers to brace for grocery price hikes.
‘Significant spikes’: servos to face huge gouging fines
Service stations could face $100 million fines for intentionally ripping off customers as panic buying places consumers under pressure at the pump.
Waterlogged city waits to learn extent of latest floods
Hundreds of homes have been hit by flooding at a regional community but the full extent of the damage may not be known for days.
Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike
Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.
ASX edges higher on hopes of record oil reserve release
Volatile oil prices continue to dictate stock market sentiment with the local bourse trading higher on hopes tapping reserves could shore up crude supply.
Designer delights in dark horse victory over Katy Perry
An Australian fashion designer is "over the moon" after winning a years-long trademark battle against pop star Katy Perry.
Massive robotic warehouse to deliver thousands of jobs
Construction has begun on the biggest warehouse ever constructed in Queensland - a robotic customer fulfilment centre for Amazon Australia.
Owl be damned: regulator stops short of rat poison ban
Conservationists are pushing for a regulator to outlaw a common class of rodenticides having pervasive effects on owls and other native animals.
‘Fear is stalking markets’: ASX plunges amid Iran war
The ASX200 has dropped almost three per cent, wiping out all its gains for the year amid the spiralling war in Iran.
Tech giants present local face to snare state contracts
A bid to tip more public funding into local businesses has driven several multinational giants to represent themselves as Australian.
Energy rating report card urged for all Aussie homes
More than seven million homes will be eligible to receive a mark out of 10 for their energy efficiency but experts say the assessments should become mandatory.