Alarm over tariffs sends Australian shares $42b lower
Australian shares are heading towards a second straight quarter of losses for the first time since 2022 as incoming tariffs increase the risk of a US recession.
Economy, Business and Finance
Call for household battery help to plug energy concerns
Cutting the price of solar batteries would lower household bills while easing pressure on the energy network, say groups pushing for a national scheme.
State oversight of flailing Star’s casino extended
Casino operator Star Entertainment has accepted a watchdog needs to continue overseeing its tables in Sydney amid financial woes and remediation works.
Casino licence suspension delay a lucky break for Star
A 90-day suspension of Star Entertainment Group's Gold Coast casino licence has been deferred for six months, but the company has been put on notice.
Dire stat demands ‘urgent reform’ from election winner
Whoever forms government after the election will need to deliver substantive reform to fix Australia's long-term productivity challenge, economists say.
Tariffs and growth slump a concern for banking leaders
Australia's economic growth forecasts have been downgraded due to Donald Trump's trade war, keeping its most important financial leaders on their toes.
How listening to Country can lead to better design
Designed to represent the bends of the Baaka (Darling) River, it is hoped this cultural centre will help inspire the next generation of architects.
Home owners reap windfall as buyers warned on new units
Home sellers notched a record profit in last three months of 2024 but not every property owner will be so lucky in the future, real estate researchers warn.
Tough times haven’t stopped Aussies shopping online
Online shopping continues to soar in popularity in Australia, as cost-of-living pressures change the way we spend, and determines which retailers will survive.
Why shock drop in jobs won’t shift RBA rate cut bets
Fewer older Australians returned to work in February, driving a surprise fall in jobs and workforce participation but the labour market remains tight overall.
RSPCA pulls approval for salmon farm after mass deaths
A salmon farm where workers were filmed sealing live fish in boxes has had its RSPCA tick of approval removed following an investigation.
Watchdog unveils plan to end supermarket shrinkflation
The competition watchdog has resisted calls for powers to break up major supermarkets in a report, while calling for more transparency to tackle price-gouging.
Coles, Woolies guilty of increasing margins: watchdog
Treasurer Jim Chalmers promised a crackdown on major supermarkets following a consumer watchdog report, but warned breaking them up would be counterproductive.
Cross-party nod for probe into ‘rogue’ childcare firms
Shocking claims of rampant child mistreatment in privately operated centres have triggered a government-backed inquiry into the early education sector.
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
‘Hip pocket help’ on its way in pre-election sweetener
Australians will receive more energy bill relief in the federal budget but the Liberals argue it's only needed because Labor has allowed costs to blow out.
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush
The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.
Food and fibre get millions to fend off Trump tariffs
The federal government has moved to defend Australia's agricultural exports, as the sector prepares to have one of its biggest production years on record.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.
Budget fundamentals smashed as storms cloud outlook
Australia's federal budget is forecast to eclipse $1 trillion in debt for the first time in 2025/26, as global challenges threaten the nation's coffers.
No respite from tax burden on younger workers in budget
Young income earners will be increasingly called upon to fund rising public spending unless structural tax reforms are made in the next term of government.
Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms
Universal $5 a week tax cuts are being raced through parliament as debate around cost of living intensifies ahead of the federal election.
Aussie road rules are not ready for self-driving cars
Road rules will need to be changed before autonomous vehicles become more common, or lawsuits could follow.
Sliding inflation builds hopes of interest rate cut
Another interest rate cut is firmly on the table with analysts expecting the Reserve Bank to seriously consider the move on the back of fresh inflation data.
Up in smoke: billions wiped off tobacco tax forecast
A booming tobacco black market has created a taxation deficit and forced a belated national crackdown on dodgy retailers and criminal gangs.
Prices dropping for all major supermarkets bar Woolies
Woolworths is the only major supermarket chain to flunk a government-funded report on grocery prices across Australia.
Why electric cars can be uncommonly useful in cyclones
As Queenslanders prepared for a tropical cyclone, an Australian electric car company raced to fulfil an influx of orders to keep lights and fridges working.
Shoppers and treasurer try to stretch budget dollar
Checkout price pain is acknowledged by the treasurer as he prepares the federal budget with research showing grocery spend at a record high.
Aussie market claws back ground after Wall St plunge
The Australian share market has resumed its downward trend, after dropping sharply in early trading and recovering a little in the wake of a US market sell-off.
Star reveals mystery lender behind $940m debt rescue
Embattled casino group Star Entertainment has confirmed the lender behind a $940 million refinancing deal, as it mulls multiple pathways for survival