In danger: more reef funding amid dreaded ruling threat
Another rescue plan for the Great Barrier Reef has been unveiled as critics warn new mining approvals are fuelling destructive marine heatwaves.
Economy, Business and Finance
Bank plunge could spell end of an era for ASX investors
Big retail banks have driven returns on the ASX for years, but global asset manager VanEck believes they are overpriced and mid-caps offer better opportunities.
Coalition migrant cuts plan triggers ire of uni sector
The universities sector, which relies heavily on fee-paying foreign students, says coalition plans to cut immigration would hurt the economy and cost jobs.
‘Iconic’ Delta act eclipsed in Eurovision boilover
Delta Goodrem has finished fourth at Eurovision, confounding hopes for a first Australian winner as Bulgaria soared to its maiden win.
Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals
The government has conceded its budget is unlikely to win immediate support from voters as Labor and Liberals taking aim at each others' policies.
Aussie artificial intelligence may give robots a leg up
A new, water-efficient artificial intelligence hub could help robots make important decisions without delay.
Chinese interference claims spark forced miner sell-off
Six companies have been forced to sell their holdings in an Australian rare earths miner which has been the subject of boardroom tussles.
Risk assessment on deadly scaffold made in owner’s head
A man who erected a scaffold that later killed a dad watching his son play soccer admitted he did not consider the risk posed to the public by adverse weather.
Proposed new airline could face squeeze from giants
Existing airlines won't roll over to make room for a proposed new competitor in their most profitable "Golden Triangle" routes, experts say.
‘No whammy’: businesses hit back at budget tax overhaul
Tax experts are urging the states to shield businesses from higher costs as they restructure their assets after Labor's controversial federal budget.
Rates revelation: why RBA dissenter voted against hike
The lone Reserve Bank board member who voted against lifting the cash rate in May was less concerned about inflation expectations than the bank's economists.
Auditor casts eye over ‘devious’ 40-year lottery deal
An independent auditor is probing whether a state government ran a competitive process before handing out a 40-year lottery deal after "exclusive" negotiations.
Aussie tech to tell heavy electric trucks where to go
How far and how fast can a battery-powered prime mover go? One Australian start-up is doing the sums so freight businesses don't have to.
No bears: software firm shrugs off AI ‘apocalypse’ fear
Software group Technology One has shrugged off worries about its exposure to an industry apocalypse, with its boss arguing it can emerge stronger than ever.
Houses, town water supply sold in mining mega‑deal
A $5.8 billion mega-coal mining deal has all but put a town up for sale, handing the new owner the mines, hundreds of homes and crucial community services.
‘Abhorrent’ AI sextortionist wins bid to leave prison
A man who doctored intimate images with AI before threatening to publish them will serve time in the community after successfully appealing a prison sentence.
Treasurer blames ‘misinformation’ for war on tax change
Critics of the government's capital gains tax changes are being accused by the treasurer of overstating how much extra tax small businesses will have to pay.
Will this budget really make housing fairer for more Australians? It’s a good start
After decades of wealthy investors getting a better deal, this budget finally tilts the scales for younger people trying to buy their first home.
Middle ring could be ‘hollowed out’ by tax overhaul
Tax changes in the federal budget will likely shift property investors to new houses in the outer suburbs and inner-city apartments, economists say.
Coalition’s bracket creep plan to cost tens of billions
The coalition's economic plan for Australia would hand back more money to workers by indexing tax rates to inflation at a cost of tens of billions of dollars.
Shoppers could pay more after Coles misconduct ruling
Supermarket prices could stay higher for longer following a ruling that Coles misled its customers with non-genuine discounts, according to one retail expert.
Bleak outlook for national economy if Iran war drags on
Higher budget spending won't help the Reserve Bank, economists warn, as a prolonged war in the Middle East is forecast to push inflation above seven per cent.
Tax relief for workers and pain for investors in budget
Australians who earn a wage will get $250 in tax relief as part of Labor's budget, but investors and wealthy families could be left worse off.
Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain
An extra $114 billion in federal government spending will be directed off-budget as the treasurer claims a "historically responsible" fiscal update.
Labor tucks away $77b war chest for further tax cuts
A new $250 a year tax offset gives the government an option to return bracket creep directly to working Australians, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Australians move to regions seeking affordable housing
Australians are leaving the cities for inland areas as growing house prices shift migration patterns, bringing positive and negative flow-on effects.
Aussie-made cane toad leather almost ready for market
It won't be long before Australian-made leather goods, produced from one of the country's most notorious invasive species, are available to purchase.
Tax, migration and NDIS in coalition’s economic sights
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a raft of economic policies aimed at winning back voter support and countering the rise of One Nation.
Watchdog seeks big penalty after Coles goes ‘Down Down’
The consumer watchdog will be seeking a "significant penalty" to act as a deterrent to Coles and others, after a court found the supermarket misled shoppers.
Senate confirms Warsh as chair of the Federal Reserve
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Global glut hits grain handler as farmers hold back
A leading Australian agribusiness has made a relatively small net profit in the first-half of its financial year, down 92 per cent from a year ago.