Servo chain Ampol slashes dividend, fuel volumes fall
Energy company Ampol has slashed its interim dividend on lower fuel volumes, tanking its share price, but signalled a return to normal at its refinery.
Economy, Business and Finance
Lendlease’s losses deepen after tough year in property
Lendlease has extended its bottom line losses to more than $1 billion after taking a hit in a tough market as charges related to its new strategy took a toll.
BlueScope backs Port Kembla steelworkers amid downturn
A major steelmaker warns of tough conditions as it braces for rising electricity, gas and labour costs amid a stubbornly soft home building market.
White knight rescues Booktopia, opens door to new life
Collapsed book e-retailer Booktopia has been rescued by a white knight digital business that will reopen the company.
Status quo ‘unacceptable’ on gambling adverts, PM says
Anthony Albanese is vowing to reform gambling ads but one disgruntled Labor backbencher says anything short of a complete gambling ad ban is 'disgusting'.
Building costs in the frame for ongoing housing crisis
The Reserve Bank says it is closely monitoring the housing shortage, but dismisses reports a construction union is to blame for escalating costs.
Amazon tests AI for audiobooks but new rules are coming
Amazon is testing AI-generated voices for audiobooks in the absence of guidance, its executives say, as government officials reveal AI rules are in the works.
Queensland real estate market set to rebound: Domain
Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino says Queensland's property market has shown signs of accelerating after a poor showing in 2023/24.
Origin Energy eyes gas imports, longer life for Eraring
Electricity and gas giant Origin Energy warns Australia will need to import gas to meet domestic demand and taxpayers may have to pay to burn coal for longer.
Telstra open to Foxtel Group sale, profit drops 12.8%
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady has cautioned that News Corp's decision making around selling Foxtel, of which the telco owns 35 per cent, was in its early stages.
Airport scrutiny follows ‘inside job’ helicopter crash
Security of airports remains in focus after a "misappropriated" chopper crashed into a CBD hotel, with one aviation expert saying a review would be worthwhile.
‘I couldn’t get away’: calls for total gambling ad ban
Constant exposure to advertising is changing Australians' relationship with sport and a former addict has called for a total ban on gambling ads.
Feeling the cold? Study shows newer homes are more cosy
Apartments and houses built in the last decade are more energy efficient and easier to cool or heat, a CSIRO study has revealed.
Popular utes score bad marks in real-world vehicle test
Some popular utes use more petrol and produce more pollution than lab tests promise, according to a motoring body, and could cost drivers more than expected.
Shareholders still cash in as CBA profit slips to $9.5b
Commonwealth Bank's net profit after tax was down six per cent to $9.5 billion in 2023/24 but Australia's biggest bank is increasing its dividend.
Profits plummet at Kerry Stokes’ Seven West Media
As Seven West Media contends with allegations of a toxic workplace culture at its television network, profits plunge 69 per cent to $45 million.
Safety fears delay 3G closure, users urged to upgrade
Telstra and Optus have delayed the 3G closure to launch a massive public safety campaign, after fears phones, alarms and medical equipment could be cut off.
Property market picking up in smaller capital cities
REA Group's CEO says property listings in Melbourne and Sydney might marginally decline in 2024/25, but Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are showing growth.
PM rules out foreign nuclear waste under new AUKUS deal
Australia will accept nuclear technology from the US and UK as part of an updated AUKUS deal, but Anthony Albanese says nuclear waste won't be part of it.
Conservationist fears for ancient, namesake frog
Logging continues in a small patch of NSW where a rare frog lives despite the species being listed as endangered under both federal and state laws.
Senator, insurer clash over cyclone ‘price-gouging’
A major insurer has been accused of making big profits during natural diasters at an inquiry into the impacts of climate change on the insurance sector.
‘Distressing’ mental health facility claims spark probe
The Queensland government has launched an investigation after "distressing" allegations of abuse spanning decades at a former mental health facility.
Racing boss hits out at ‘cheats’ in racecourse fight
Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys has attacked "cheats and undesirables" seeking to undermine him amid a battle over the future of Sydney's Rosehill racecourse.
Buyers hover as administrators plot course to save Rex
Embattled Rex has received significant interest from potential buyers, administrators say, as the regional carrier battles to stay in the air.
Pressure builds for gambling ad ban
As Australians continue to lose more to gambling than any other country in the world, pressure is mounting on both sides of politics to reform the sector.
Homes of endangered greater gliders face logging threat
A conservation group is urging the Queensland government to protect land with greater glider habitat after logging near a site where the species has been seen.
Wages, job data in focus for clues on economy, rates
New data on wage growth and demand for workers will be in focus this week, as borrowers await clues on when the central bank might cut interest rates.
Timber industry battles shift to man-made power poles
The timber industry has stepped up its fight against the phase out of wooden power poles in NSW - a move designed to make the network more fire resilient.
Solar power guiding NT families back to their community
After a solar-powered energy system was installed in a remote Northern Territory community, families will be able to return to their homeland.
Govt claims native title case creates ‘vast’ liability
The federal government has started its appeal of a native title case around a mining lease, arguing it would create "vast" claims for compensation.
Scientists despair as farmers clear nature hot spot
Scientists say one of Australia's most valuable biodiversity hot spots is in danger of death by a thousand cuts as pastoralists clear the landscape unchecked.