Australians fleeing south to escape climate extremes
Australians are already on the move due to climate change, with one state the number one choice for those seeking relief from heat, floods and fires.
Economy, Business and Finance
‘Unconscionable’: major bank’s record fine bumped up
ANZ has been fined $250 million for widespread misconduct and systemic failures that impacted the federal government, taxpayers and thousands of customers.
Bold company tax proposal still friendless after revamp
An alternative corporate tax proposal could have greater economic benefits if a requirement to be budget-neutral was removed, the Productivity Commission says.
Early warnings not heeded in deadly triple-zero outage
A host of mistakes were made during an Optus triple-zero outage linked to two deaths, including a failure to escalate initial concerns up the chain.
The one tweak that could grow your super by $200,000
A major superannuation fund says a lack of engagement with your super fund can have huge financial consequences come retirement time.
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
With the government unlikely to restrain public spending, the Reserve Bank will have to lift rates in 2026 to keep inflation under control, economists say.
Energy watchdog’s legal move over outback outage
The energy watchdog has launched legal action against a major power supplier after an outback community hit by storms endured days without power.
Penfolds owner’s earnings sour on China ‘grey’ wine woe
Shares in Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates plunged after it pointed to a fall in earnings due to problems in China and the US.
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
metal and mineral
nuclear power
renewable energy
research
Nukes and carbon capture remain off future energy plan
Wind and solar systems are projected to be the cheapest energy-generating technology in 2050 while small nuclear reactors will cost the most.
Chalmers spins battery blowout into budget savings
Clever accounting has been used by the treasurer to claim the government's policy decisions improved the budget bottom line for the first time in eight years.
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
Half of Australia's big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates at its next meeting as inflation is pushed outside the target zone.
Business chief urges action on racism, anti-Semitism
The outgoing chair of one of the world's biggest commercial explosives makers has pointed to the Bondi massacre as an example of the need to "contain" racism.
Meal kit services sued over alleged subscription traps
The competition watchdog has taken meal delivery services HelloFresh and Youfoodz to court for misleading consumers with subscriptions.
Casino group boss cashes in his chips after 18 months
An embattled casino operator is on the hunt for a new boss, just weeks after regulators signed off on a rescue package from an American gambling giant.
Aussies skipping dental, medical care to afford rent
The housing crisis is changing the way Australians live with many revealing "heartbreaking" stories of struggle as they skip on the basics to make ends meet.
Savings found in budget update as blowouts add up
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed billions of dollars in savings as other projects in the budget blow out amid "grave" concerns over its bottom line.
budgets and budgeting
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
housing and urban planning
politics
retail
Budget update to reveal Australia’s fiscal fortunes
The federal treasurer says he's booked another $20 billion in savings in the budget update, but is keeping mum on whether that means a smaller deficit.
Koala ‘misinformation’ cry as population counts soar
Fresh data reveals Australia's koala count could be much higher than previously thought, as a contentious park to protect the species is called into question.
consumer goods
economic policy
economy, business and finance
food - consumer goods
politics
prices
retail
Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets
Lower grocery bills are being promised with a price gouging ban but supermarket giants and retailers say shoppers will be the ones to bear the brunt of costs.
Modified e-bikes cop another rail ban over safety risks
Converted e-bikes will no longer be allowed on a major rail network, with one state government blaming "after-market add-ons" for causing fires.
‘Not ready’: investors chop down deforestation action
National Australia Bank shareholders have rejected resolutions related to deforestation, but its chairman says he has concerns about the practice.
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.