Changing mail habits stamp out daily letter deliveries
Australia Post is enjoying kudos after an improved financial result but faces a reform marathon focused on letter deliveries en route to long-term viability.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australian shares hit eight-week low as slide continues
The ASX200 has finished 1.2 per cent lower to make February its worst month in more than two years after US President Donald Trump's call on tariffs.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Domino’s shares battered as store closures hit profits
Domino's Pizza's Australian boss has promised improved profitability after the fast food chain shuttered hundreds of under-performing stores across its network.
Treasurer to push for tariff exemption in US meeting
As superannuation giants attempt to build ties with US investors in Washington, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will try to secure a tariff deal with his US counterpart.
Woodside CEO laments red tape over gas project approval
After reporting a doubling in profit, the boss of Australia's biggest oil and gas company says she is disappointed at delays in gaining government approvals.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Australia warned not to hit back at US with tariffs
The treasurer has pushed for Australia to be exempt from US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, with a decision due soon from Donald Trump.
Woolworths profit hit by 17-day warehouse strike
Woolworths Group says its profit was down 20.6 per cent to $739 million in the six months to December 31, in part due to a strike by warehouse workers.
Michael Hill International CEO dies unexpectedly
The chief of leading jewellery chain Michael Hill has died suddenly after suffering an adverse reaction to medical treatment for an underlying condition.
Coles gains on Woolies, grabs sales during rival’s woes
Coles estimates it scored $120 million in extra sales during a 17-day strike by Woolworths workers, as it announces superior sales growth than its big rival.
Qantas shares take off on strong first-half result
Qantas says it has learned its lessons after posting a strong return to form with a nearly $1.4 billion first-half underlying profit after tax.
‘Cruise from hell’ passengers reimbursed and then some
Passengers will get back about double what they paid for a storm-affected P&O cruise from Australia to the south Pacific.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Nuclear plan may miss nation’s energy goal by a decade
Switching from renewable energy to a nuclear power plan could push Australia's 2030 climate target out until 2042 and produce significantly more emissions.
Household solar panels create a ‘worry’ for energy boss
Australian households may face changes to the way rooftop solar is handled as electricity grids adapt to more renewable energy created during daylight hours.
Hackers may have stolen IVF patients’ personal data
Major IVF provider Genea has informed patients a cyber attack may have compromised their personal information, including medical records and treatments.
Funding boost charges up Australian battery innovation
Australia could compete with China for lithium battery production after a local company announced plans to establish a $60 million factory.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Nation grinds to a halt without steel, industry warns
Rescuing Whyalla's steelworks is essential to maintain sovereign steel capability - vital to the economy and national security, the industry peak body says.
No more myki: passengers set for ticketless travel
Victorians are set to get ticketless public transport travel, with train passengers soon able to tap on and off with bank cards and their phones.
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
BHP trims dividend to 8-year low amid weak China demand
BHP will pay shareholders an interim dividend of $A78 cents per share, down from $A1.13 per share a year ago, after a 23 per cent profit drop.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Date finally set for Brisbane Olympic stadium reveal
A 2032 Olympic stadium plan is set to finally be revealed, ending years of speculation over what will take centre stage as the Brisbane Games' marquee venue.
Disgraced MP ‘never asked for a dollar’ from $48m deal
Former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire says he never expected payment for his part in a multimillion-dollar property deal he helped broker.