Big bank warns of recession risk as uncertainty lingers
The head of Australia's second-largest bank is more worried about businesses delaying investment decisions than the impact of higher interest rates.
Economy, Business and Finance
Electric car sales surge ahead amid fuel uncertainty
Australian drivers have broken the record for electric car sales again, as petrol and diesel-powered vehicle sales stall.
Treasurer hoses down talk of big budget handouts
The Reserve Bank governor was only talking about hypotheticals when saying extra government spending makes it harder to control inflation, the treasurer argues.
‘Train to nowhere’: fury at Inland Rail cutback
A major rail corridor spanning much of Australia's east will be left half finished due to budget blowouts as furious farmers brand it a major missed chance.
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
National fuel reserve ‘future-proofed’ in $10b plan
Australia has taken steps to shore up security of fuel and fertiliser under a multibillion-dollar package as supply chains remain disrupted by the Iran war.
Shock lottery deal ‘handcuffs’ state to gambling sector
A surprise state lottery deal has "handcuffed" future governments to the gambling industry and undone years of reform, a leading advocate says.
Fuel bonus as WA posts eighth straight budget surplus
More than $1 billion in cost-of-living relief will be shared in Western Australia as the state capitalises on an iron ore uplift to bank another budget surplus.
Lenders told to ‘support customers’ facing hard times
Lenders must watch out for customers because the corporate regulator won't take a backward step as households face hardship, the outgoing ASIC chair will warn.
Regional bank pins growth hopes on digital services
Bank of Queensland has played up the success of its digital arm despite reporting a profit decline ahead of further expected interest rate hikes.
Refinery owner reaps profit boost from Middle East war
Ampol, which supplies about 10 per cent of the nation's fuel supplies, has seen a big jump in margins on the back of the war in the Middle East.
Parcel express: retailers to compete with global giants
A major express parcel hub set to power the same-day delivery boom and meet growing consumer demand has been opened by Australia Post.
Aussie shares fall as war dims hopes for US rate cuts
The Australian share market was down 0.9 per cent at midday after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire but his pick to lead the Fed adopted a hawkish stance.
Prosecutors drop breast-grab charge against actor
A TV actor fined after protesting in a state parliament has maintained she never grabbed and twisted the breast of a worker, who said it broke the "girl code".
After the sun sets: hub to tackle coming e-waste crisis
With millions of solar power systems installed across the country, a national research centre will probe what to do with the panels at the end of their lives.
Aussie shares fall as war dims hopes for US rate cuts
The Australian share market has dropped 1.2 per cent after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire but his pick to lead the Fed has adopted a hawkish stance.
Woolworths bumped price of baby food before ‘discount’
Woolworths sold baby food at a higher price for just three weeks before taking off 50 cents and marketing it as a price reduction, a court has been told.
‘System broken’: more going hungry as food crisis hits
Charities are buckling under a surge of hungry Australians as fuel price pressures swell into a "cost of surviving" crisis.
Tesla profits rises in Q1 as Musk teases Roadster debut
Tesla, the electric vehicle maker run by billionaire Elon Musk, earned $US477 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 17 per cent from a year ago.
‘Very difficult’: actor’s teary court claim about Rebel
A rising star has been left on the verge of tears discussing the breakdown of her relationship with Hollywood actor Rebel Wilson as the pair face off in court.
Oil and gas giant feels the heat from climate activists
Shareholders have jeered as protesters concerned about the environment repeatedly disrupted a meeting hosted by Australia's biggest oil and gas company.
Extra diesel shipments prioritised for regional areas
Two additional cargo ships of diesel will come into Australia, bringing in 100 million litres of supply after deals struck with two major fuel companies.
Harvey Norman facing class action for ‘misleading’ ads
A retail giant is set to battle a class action lawsuit after the Federal Court ruled it misled consumers with a widespread advertising campaign.
Impact on inflation from fuel price hike to be revealed
The first inflation figures since the Iran war started, causing petrol prices to skyrocket, will give clues on its cost - with home-buyers watching closely.
Coalition fuel fix misfires over start-up funding doubt
Confusion reigns over who would pay for a coalition plan to add one billion litres to Australia's emergency fuel stocks - and if the supply figures add up.
‘The worst’: Rebel claim over star’s alleged complaint
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has labelled a sexual harassment complaint from a lead actor in her directorial debut as the 'worst thing' that could have happened.
Tech platforms reject push to pay for news content
Social media platforms will have to strike deals with media organisations or pay more under a proposal which has been poorly received by the tech giants.
Grain belt hit by worst mouse plague in years
Mouse numbers have exploded to plague proportions across a state's grain belt, with thousands per hectare threatening crops and straining bait supply
Turning wine into fuel could bolster local supplies
More than 350 million bottles of wine are gathering dust in Australian storage, and industry figures have an ingenious plan to stop them heading for the bin.
United Arab Emirates quits OPEC in blow to oil cartel
The United Arab Emirates says it is withdrawing from OPEC, stripping the oil cartel of one of its largest producers.
Export tax push runs out of gas as budget hopes dashed
Furious lobbying for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports is failing to sway the federal government, which is ruling out the measure for the upcoming budget.