Surprise gas guzzlers identified in vehicle road tests
Several popular cars consume more petrol than their manufacturers promise, tests show, and hybrid vehicles are among some of the worst offenders.
Economy, Business and Finance
Jigsaw coming together for further interest rate relief
A soft inflation print and surprisingly strong retail sales paint a rosy picture of the Australian economy ahead of a key Reserve Bank rate meeting.
Rio Tinto profits slip as prices weigh on performance
One of the world's biggest iron ore miners has posted its weakest first-half profit in years as lower global demand continues to drag on the commodity's price.
Star’s sale of Queens Wharf entertainment hub stalled
Star Entertainment Group says it is unlikely to finalise an deal to sell its half-stake in a Brisbane entertainment complex by Thursday's deadline.
‘Gaping hole’ in social media ban as YouTube plugged in
YouTube will be included in a social media ban for children under 16, but uncertainty surrounds how the world-first laws will be enforced.
Rate cut looms as inflation result brings RBA ‘comfort’
The Reserve Bank should have "all the comfort it needs" to cut interest rates again in August after underlying inflation fell to a three-and-a-half year low.
alternative energy
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
exports
renewable energy
research
summit
Carbon price or climate failure: expert economist warns
Australia won't meet its renewable energy commitments without significant reforms but there's still time to redeem the situation, an expert warns.
‘Bad policy’: Australia fears double US tariff rate
US President Donald Trump has flagged all countries, including Australia, could be hit with baseline tariffs up to double the current rate of 10 per cent.
construction and property
economic indicator
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
investments
retail
unemployment
West is best economically as eastern states left behind
Western Australia remains the top economic performer in CommSec's State of the States rankings, but its "breakneck" growth is starting to lose momentum.
‘Good day for patients’: cheaper medicines on the way
Australians are being reassured cost-of-living relief is still on the federal government's agenda as it prepares to legislate changes to make medicine cheaper.
The piece of data that could decide next rate decision
Quarterly inflation data will dominate the economic agenda this week, while dwelling approvals, retail sales and property price figures will also be revealed.
Tourist mecca fighting to turn tide on Mother Nature
The Gold Coast could be pushing sand uphill as it works to restore beaches eroded by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Workers could be $14,000 ahead under a growth mindset
Australia's productivity tsar says Australian workers would be $14,000 better off each year in the long run if the nation treads the right path on reform.
Australia steps up US trade beef as Trump claims win
Australia has criticised the US for using its size and might to disrupt international trade through tariffs, warning it will lead to firms looking elsewhere.
Trump and Powell bicker over cost of Fed building reno
President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are bickering face-to-face over the cost of the building renovations.
Australian-made green plane fuel closer with grant win
Creating sustainable aviation fuel without using farm waste could be possible within months, researchers say, and will cut emissions from air travel.
Women greenlit to sue Qatar Airways over strip searches
A group of Australian women allegedly subject to invasive strip searches have been given the go-ahead to sue an airline over a Qatari airport incident.
Indigenous people left ‘out in the cold’ by super funds
Australia's superannuation system is failing Indigenous people with some giving up on their funds due to rigid processes, research has found.
Online shopping rebounds as rate cut talk opens wallets
Australians are spending more online as inflation eases and interest rate cuts seem more likely following a lean period, especially for some home-buyers.
Australia’s frustration with motor insurance grows
Australia's financial product watchdog continues to grapple with a mountain of complaints, with car insurance the leading cause of consumer consternation.
The ‘critical’ data that could greenlight next rate cut
Economists await key quarterly data that could put the odds firmly in favour of an August interest rate cut, as the Reserve Bank sheds light on its shock hold.
Peek into surprise RBA decision as rate cut on cards
Borrowers are hoping for clarity on the Reserve Bank's next moves as an unexpected jump in unemployment firms the case for an interest rate cut.
Stories in the stars shared at science festival
Stories of the night sky, the enduring food practices of Aboriginal people and chats about death are all on the line-up of a science festival.
defence
diplomacy
international (foreign) trade
international relations
investments
national security
politics
restraint of trade
security
trade dispute
trade policy
PM’s China stance hailed by Taiwan despite criticisms
The prime minister used a six-day trip to China to signal a willingness to boost Australia's trading ties while balancing concerns over Beijing's aggression.
Rally propels Aussie shares to another record close
The Australian share market has crossed 8700 points for the first time in its biggest rally since April, while posting its best weekly performance for 2025.
economic indicator
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
employment
labor market
macro economics
politics (general)
Nation on notice as signs point to growing jobless rate
Australians are being warned about possible further rises in unemployment after a shock jobless rate jump that has strengthened the case to cut interest rates.
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
environmental politics
lifestyle (house and home)
renewable energy
research
research and development
Wanted: 10,000 households to plug in to energy research
From households fitted with solar panels to electric car drivers and business operators, a new research centre aims to model nationwide trends in energy use.
Jobless rate nears four-year high, firms rethink plans
Australia's unemployment rate has bucked expectations and risen as economic headwinds take their toll on employers.
‘Respect never cost anything’: PM defends China outcome
Visiting Chinese cultural icons will pay dividends for Australia, the prime minister says as the opposition claims parts of his trip seem indulgent.
Time to see a doctor? Watches to track sleep disorder
Smartwatches can detect signs of a common and potentially serious sleep disorder with the medical regulator approving software that analyses bedtime breathing.
Rising cost to build a wake-up call on housing dream
Australians looking to build their own homes are facing a reality check as construction costs rise, with the increase likely to also weigh on inflation.