Australian spy plane to watch Middle East battle space
Australia will deploy an advanced spy plane to the Middle East to defend against Iranian attacks, although critics warn the nation is being drawn into the war.
Economy, Business and Finance
Aussie researchers create a robot vacuum for oil spills
A prototype is no larger than a shoe but Australian engineers plan to supersize their oil-consuming robot to tackle sea pollution.
Aussie shares claw back losses but Iran conflict weighs
Strength in energy, mining and consumer staples stocks has capped the impact of US-led attacks against Iran on the local bourse, but major uncertainty remains.
Casino operator’s cash stocks dwindle after big loss
Casino operator Star lost $53 million on its operations in the six months to December 31 and has $130 million left in available cash as it struggles to survive.
Grapes wither on the vine as record rain risks harvest
Flash flooding has hit Australia's table grape hub after record rainfall at the peak of harvest season, threatening to inflict major losses.
Rate hike odds spike for ‘live’ March RBA meeting
The battle to tame inflation has been thrown into more uncertainty by conflict in Iran and the Middle East, the Reserve Bank governor says.
No small business exemption to work-from-home laws
A legal work-from-home mandate will apply to businesses big and small as a state government eyes productivity and political gains.
Good news is bad news: GDP growth fuels inflation fears
Australia's economy expanded by 2.6 per cent over 2025, above Reserve Bank forecasts, raising fears of an impending interest rate hike.
‘See you in court’: fight looms over work-from-home law
An Australian-first legal right to work from home might not be shielded from a constitutional challenge by the use of anti-discrimination laws.
Lutnick, Goldman Sachs’ lawyer to testify on Epstein
The US government committee probing the Jeffrey Epstein files will question Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and a Goldman Sachs' former top lawyer.
Tributes flow after final call for king of one-liners
A renowned broadcaster, famous for having a one-liner ready to go, and whose voice became an integral part of the Australian sporting lexicon, has died aged 76.
Wavering households ease urgency for more rate hikes
Economic data released this week will leave the Reserve Bank a little less concerned about underlying momentum in consumer demand, an economist says.
Canada’s call for Australia to exploit ‘rare power’
The Canadian prime minister has made a direct pitch to Australian leaders to help his nation and other "middle powers" counter superpowers' coercive influence.
GPs disturbed by latest contraceptive pill ‘shortcut’
Australia's top doctors' group has lashed a state government's move to allow women seeking the contraceptive pill to bypass general practitioners.
Middle East war wipes $120b from local share market
Australia's share market has posted its worst weekly drop in almost a year, as oil prices continue to surge on the back of widening conflict in the Middle East.
US tariff refund system will be ready ‘in 45 days’
A US customs official says a system is being prepared to process refunds on illegally collected tariffs in 45 days without requiring importers to sue.
Liberals going digital to bring new life to party brand
The Liberal Party needs to reach new voters in the digital realm if it is to stand any chance at the next election, federal leader Angus Taylor says.
Net zero could put Woodside in the red in five years
Australia's biggest oil and gas producer has posted record output, but a global supply glut and the energy transition could hinder future profits.
Skyscraper scrap: mixed reaction for Trump tower plan
Rival petitions have been launched over a proposed 340-metre, 91-storey Trump tower at a holiday hotspot that's been billed as Australia's tallest building.
All aboard: fast rail gains momentum after false starts
A high-speed rail network linking major cities in Australia would come at a huge cost but is gaining momentum as experts tout the cost savings for commuters.
‘Rise on the horizon’: inflation fuels rate hike fears
A small increase in underlying inflation has led to growing expectations the Reserve Bank will lift the cash rate in coming months.
Grocery giant hits 17-month high on ‘fantastic result’
Woolworths has delivered better-than-expected earnings while improving customer satisfaction scores, sending its shares soaring to a 17-month high.
Coles hits back, blames inflation for prices going up
Coles blames inflation for price rises during its "down down" campaign, denying it misled customers in a case brought to court by the consumer watchdog.
‘Look at the divvy’: iron ore miner’s bumper payout
Iron ore miner Fortescue has raised its interim profit and will pay out 65 per cent of earnings to shareholders, as it continues to decarbonise its business.
High steaks: dwindling industry threatens food security
Farmers are having to send their livestock up to four hours' drive away to be processed, as limited access to local abattoirs raises food security concerns.
Renewables growth energises spending as inflation rises
Capital expenditure has been rising fast in Australia as the treasurer warns stubborn inflation will mean savings are needed in the budget.
Qantas shares nosedive amid weak international demand
Qantas shares flew high in early trading but then faltered and plunged to a three-month low after Australia's biggest airline delivered mixed half-year results.
Got a phone? Prepare for an unsolicited message
Almost all Australians will get the same alert later this year as part of a nation-wide test of a new emergency warning system.
Aussie shares reset records as earnings boon rolls on
The local bourse's value has swelled by about $85 billion in February to record highs, swept up by strong interim financial results and commodity prices.
‘Down Down’: Coles shares shamed as sales growth slows
Coles' half-year earnings have disappointed the market, with shares in the supermarket giant falling to their lowest level since August.
Writing on the wall for letter delivery in Australia
Handwritten notes, Christmas cards and household bills are making way for algorithms and gig economies in a changing world of correspondence.