Drier July helps lift Bunnings sales as DIY rules
Retail-focused group Wesfarmers, which owns some of Australia's best-known brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, says households are still under pressure.
Economy, Business and Finance
Off the rails: premier deflects as secret tax scrapped
A newly minted premier has washed his hands of involvement in a secret levy on public transport tickets and is pledging to dump it.
Qantas to jettison flagship jet sooner as profit slides
Qantas will begin phasing out its "much-loved" Airbus A380s four years earlier than planned, after its annual profits hit turbulence.
Premier plays down data centre impact on power prices
Two Australian jurisdictions will be able to power their AI data centres with coal and gas, despite fears it could lead to an increase in power prices.
Banks tip more hikes as spending surge adds to RBA woes
Three out of the four big banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates by November, with one forecasting a hike in a matter of weeks.
Iran and Oman still working on Hormuz accord: reports
Negotiators from Iran and Oman continue to work on striking an agreement on the use of the Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian source says.
Solar scourge: rules make it cheaper to dump old panels
Australia's solar boom will create a significant waste problem, experts have told an inquiry, with tough rules needed to keep panels out of landfill.
Gun licenses limited to citizens in firearms overhaul
State and territory leaders have signed on to the first overhaul of national firearm rules in almost a decade, including outlawing 3D-printed guns.
Future Fund head exits on top with 14.8 per cent return
Strong global equity markets, a focus on active management and low exposure to bonds has lifted Australia's sovereign wealth fund to more than $289 billion.
‘One ocean’: Australia exporting seafood impact
While Australia prioritises its own marine environments, the country's reliance on imported seafood might just be shifting the impacts elsewhere.
‘We have buy-in’: PM talks up national unity over AI
A national agreement on guidelines for AI data centres is edging closer after key talks, even though two governments continue to criticise the plan.
Woolies wins the grocery wars, lifts sales and profits
Woolworths has confirmed its Ooshies collectibles campaign helped drive sales going into the new financial year, after it beat Coles during 2025/26.
Banks tipping November rate hike after ‘hot’ inflation
Despite headline inflation falling to 3.5 per cent - the lowest level since November - an above-expectations result adds to the case for more rate hikes.
Key oil refinery long way from return to full capacity
Fuel maker Viva Energy is working to repair a key processor for premium fuels to restore a fire-damaged refining facility to 100 per cent capacity.
Man allegedly made sexual AI schoolgirl pics for ‘fun’
A man allegedly told police he created AI deepfake sexualised images of women and girls as young as 13 and emailed them to schools for "fun", a jury has heard.
Cheaper rail loop but project still dogged by critics
A city-shaping rail project has been pared back as a new state premier eyes savings to burnish his party's re-election credentials.
‘Perfect storm’: builder collapses, buyers in lurch
Insolvency experts have been called in to help rescue a major property developer which has thousands of homes to build across three states.
PM vows to take data centre policy to United Nations
Data centre regulation could be like the social media ban and become the next area of technology Australia leads the world in, the prime minister says.
Liquor unit loses fizz as Coles refreshes supermarkets
Coles is stepping up the refurbishment of its grocery store network while closing dozens of underperforming Liquorland locations.
Troubled frigate build under way after landmark service
Australia has finally begun building its first Hunter-class frigate in Adelaide after major cost overruns and delays plagued the project.
Median rental unaffordable for Australians on $130,000
The median rental costs more than half the pay of an average worker in every Australian capital city, a report by Everybody's Home has found.
‘In it to win it’: liquor group sees more GenZ buyers
Bottle shops and pubs giant Endeavour Group has increased its retail market share after lowering shelf prices for customers, leaving it with lower profits.
Oil markets to remain tight as conflicts drag on
Ampol, which owns one of Australia's two onshore oil refineries, has turned in a stellar first-half profit after oil market dislocation boosted its earnings.
Scandal-hit KPMG rakes in billions, slashes jobs
KPMG, which has been embroiled in an audit and whistleblower scandal, will cut more than 350 jobs after a fall in revenue in its main consultancy business.
Inflation data and RBA minutes to reveal rates clues
Inflation is forecast to have eased during July due to lower electricity prices, but rising fuel costs could reignite price growth down the track.
Happy campers hit the road after muddy muddy festival
Mundi Mundi Bash organisers are helping thousands of campers dig their way out of mud and hit the road home after a wet but wonderful celebration of live music.
Rain makes way for stars as bash ends on a high note
"There's nothing quite like Mundi," Noiseworks and INXS rocker Jon Stevens says as he headlines the closing night of Australia's largest outback festival.
Footwear giant vows to step up after first loss
The owner of sneaker chains Platypus, Skechers and The Athlete's Foot is regaining its footing after its first loss in its two decades as a listed company.
Kyle-sized hole in radio operator’s results
ARN Media spent just over $17 million on legal costs and its settlement with its former star Kyle Sandilands, as its interim earnings slumped.
High-protein trend helps bulk up big Aussie food brand
Bega Cheese, which makes cheddar, yoghurt and peanut butter alongside popular spreads like Vegemite, is back in the black after a protein-driven turnaround.
Miner goes ‘full steam ahead’ on loss-making project
Mining giant Fortescue believes it can turn around a troubled mine project that produces a raw material for green steel.