Trump’s tariff ‘rollercoaster’ raises recession risk
Donald Trump's trade war has clouded economic forecasts as Australia's central bank seeks to thread the needle to avoid the nation tipping into a recession.
Economy, Business and Finance
Premier denies ticketless fares revamp is off the rails
A completion delay and cost blowout on ticketless public transport fares for commuters doesn't mean the overhaul has hit the skids, a premier insists.
Google offers AI tools to automate that personal touch
Users of Google products could allow AI to personalise email replies and more with their own tone and style by allowing it to peer into their private data.
Telstra accused of beating around the bush on coverage
Telstra admits changing its website to update coverage claims, but denies it misled customers as the consumer watchdog considers the allegations.
‘Wafer-thin’ budget surplus won’t fix debt problem
One unforeseen event would likely erode a state's long-awaited return to surplus, as its treasurer attempts to tame mounting debt in her first budget.
Debt piles up as public service faces $3b budget cut
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill as interest on debt eats a $29-million-a-day hole in a state budget, despite public service job cuts and higher tax revenue.
Borrowers rejoice as rates cut amid ‘uncertain’ times
The official cash rate has a three in front of it for the first time in two years, after the Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points.
Albanese ends whirlwind international tour in Singapore
Anthony Albanese will end his first trip abroad after his re-election with a stopover in Singapore during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Aussie shares hit three-month high as streak continues
Australian shares have pushed higher each session this week as easing trade tensions and hopes of incoming interest rate cuts buoyed markets.
Mind the gap: $1 million homes driving up wealth divide
Home ownership rates continue to decline as more homes crack $1 million in value, making it harder for young Australians to keep up.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
French court finds Depardieu guilty of sexual assault
French actor Gerard Depardieu's fall from grace is complete after he was found guilty and sentenced for sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021.
More households want to go full electric but lack spark
Millions more Australian households plan to cut gas and go all-electric but many say they need more information and guidance to do so.
Parent group challenges energy giant over carbon claims
EnergyAustralia will face the Federal Court to answer allegations some of its "carbon neutral" products were not as green as they seemed.
Bus driver goes to trial over pedestrian death
A bus driver accused of careless driving causing the death of an 18-year-old pedestrian will fight the charge, prompting emotional courtroom scenes.
‘Hubris’: financial giant in hot water over breaches
Macquarie's brokering arm is being taken to court by the financial regulator for allegedly failing to report up to 1.5 billion short sales over 14 years.
Telco complaints a symptom of cost-of-living crisis
Telcos are failing to offer sufficient help to customers struggling to pay their bills, as the telecommunications watchdog receives a spike in complaints.
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Strawberry shields forever: bioplastic cuts fruit waste
Unique packaging material created using bacteria and sawdust could reduce disposable plastic and keep strawberries safe during transport.
Oil dives on US-Iran hopes as stocks surge stalls
A potential US-Iran nuclear deal has caused oil prices to tumble, while global share markets caught their breath as trade optimism died down.
A glimmer of hope for nuclear dream after election bomb
Voters rejected a plan to build seven nuclear reactors, but some experts say the technology's role in cutting emissions means it can't be ruled out.
Healing art: medical scans get a cultural makeover
A new CT scanner at an Indigenous-owned medical imaging service has become a symbol of hope, healing and culture for one regional community.
Aussie shares pare gains ahead of US-China deal detail
Australian shares have edged slightly higher amid trade talks between the world's two largest economies, but a deal on tariffs is yet to come.
Wastewater may solve wee green hydrogen price problem
The cost of renewable hydrogen could be cut substantially if Australian researchers can scale their latest discoveries involving wastewater.
Record $7m tobacco haul as police target crime assets
Police have seized a record $7.3 million haul of tobacco and frozen $22 million in crime syndicate assets in a big blow to the booming black market.
Consumers in crossfire despite US-China trade war truce
An index measuring consumer sentiment is improving after the US tariff announcements, but Australians are warned the economic impact still remains uncertain.
Woodside blocks climate questions as protesters blow up
Oil and gas giant Woodside has evaded questions on climate issues after its shareholder meeting was gatecrashed by whistle-blowing activists.
‘Tax on Bluey’: Rudd rips into Trump’s film tariffs
Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has spoken against President Donald Trump's proposal to tax foreign-made movies.
How AI is being weaponised to attack Aussie businesses
Australia is among the world's biggest targets for online attacks and artificial intelligence technology is making intrusions harder to detect.
ANZ shares sell-off after flat cash profit of $3.6b
Investors have hit sell on ANZ shares after the big four bank posted a cash profit less than what the market hoped to see.
Market turmoil could stoke inflation: Future Fund
The Future Fund has outperformed the broader market and its own target but its managers warn market uncertainty could lift bond yields and reignite inflation.