Australian shares eye record as banks and miners rally
Australia's share market is within striking distance of its highest close after its best day in two weeks, as investors look past US-China trade jitters.
Economy, Business and Finance
Origin takes heat over coal-fired power station
Moving from coal-fired power stations to renewable energy projects could take longer than expected, a retailer has warned, amid delays and high costs.
Bank admits ‘mistake’ over worker who lost job to AI
A woman who trained an AI chatbot that took her job has quizzed executives at Australia's biggest bank about how they will stop such a thing happening again.
Transport needs clear signals and certainty to contribute to 2035 emission reduction targets
The Government has announced its 2035 emission reduction targets of 62-70% and a key factor in delivering these targets will be the rapid electrification of the nation’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate and non-profit organisations.
Open-home rape, abuse claims as estate agent on trial
A real estate agent accused of raping and sexually abusing three women at multiple open homes is fighting the allegations in court.
Farmland value in reverse as economy tightens
Australian farmland values are down 3.8 per cent in the first half of 2025 - the first dip in over a decade - but there are some causes for optimism.
Parcel-packing electric trikes to roll out by Christmas
Australia's largest electric fleet is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of three-wheeled vehicles capable of carrying more parcels.
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
Crucial economic data in coming weeks could determine when mortgage holders can expect more interest rate relief, the Reserve Bank board says.
Controversial gas project extension sparks legal action
Landmark legal challenges have been launched after the Commonwealth's controversial decision to green light a 40-year gas hub extension near ancient rock art.
Critical minerals talk heats up before PM’s US visit
Australia is keen to lock in a critical minerals deal with the US ahead of Anthony Albanese's talks with Donald Trump and fears of China's market dominance.
Coal power lifeline risks unreliability, bill shock
The Sunshine State's coal-fired power stations are set to operate longer in a move some critics worry risks unreliability and higher bills.
Australian shares end week lower as miners tumble
A slump in Australian miners has dragged the bourse lower heading into the weekend, as investors took profits after a run up in commodity prices.
‘Climate vandalism’: state under fire over energy plan
A state's energy plan has sparked outrage after pledging to keep coal-fired power plants open for decades, potentially putting pressure on emissions targets.
Australian shares on track for red week as miners weigh
A weak session on Wall Street and slumping commodity prices have provided a gloomy backdrop for the last session of the week as local equities edge lower.
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
The economy is in a "good spot" but one sector is proving more stubborn than expected, the boss of the Reserve Bank says.
Thermal battery an energy answer in hot heavy industry
Electrifying factories could significantly reduce carbon emissions by allowing heavy industry to store and use heat like power in a battery.
Renters surprise winners from cheaper mortgage deposits
Despite predictions a five per cent deposit scheme will drive up house prices, analysts say the government policy could be good news for the nation's renters.
Hands out for handouts: bailouts loom for more smelters
More taxpayer bailouts could be on the horizon for ailing facilities after a $600 million lifeline to one mining giant.
RBNZ gives ‘shock treatment’ for lagging Kiwi economy
The NZ dollar has fallen after central bank cut rates to 2.5 per cent, with hopes it will revive the Kiwi economy and the government's political fortunes.
No future made in Australia without gas: Bluescope boss
Australian industrial gas users are subsidising the cost of gas going to competitors overseas dues to a broken pricing system, Bluescope Steel's boss says
Toll road giant exploring $10b pipeline of new projects
With new roads in western Sydney and western Melbourne set to open soon, a major toll road group is exploring other opportunities, including in Brisbane.
Hearings reveal Optus bungled triple-zero outage email
Federal authorities only found out about a catastrophic Optus triple-zero outage a day after it was resolved because the telco notified the wrong email address.
Why Google wants you to ask long, complicated questions
More web queries will be answered by artificial intelligence when Google expands technology tested in the US to its Australian users.
Next-generation solar technology inches closer to roofs
More efficient solar cells are getting closer to commercial launch thanks to a breakthrough involving a new design and more durable chemicals.
Olympic 2032 chiefs throw open billions for business
Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games organisers want the state's firms to hit gold with business opportunities, urging small to medium-sized operators to get involved.
Soaring rents push people further from jobs, community
Australian renters are paying on average an extra $204 per week to keep a roof over their heads compared to five years ago, a nearly 44 per cent increase.
Gold shines, equities lose lustre in tired trading day
Only Australia's raw materials sector has managed to close higher as the local bourse faded in a sluggish trading session.
Heat dialled up on minister over triple-zero outages
Communications Minister Anika Wells has been questioned about her handling of a triple-zero outage, as reforms to the emergency network are introduced.
Australian shares edge lower in subdued start to week
Strong commodity prices have counterbalanced other losses in a sluggish start to the week, which is set to be a quiet one for macroeconomic events and data.
Japanese stocks soar four per cent, gold hits record
Japan's Nikkei index has soared past the 47,000 level for the first time and gold climbed to a record peak above $US3,900.