Power prices fall but risks remain for life after coal
Renewable energy and batteries are pushing down wholesale power prices but a report warns they could rise again when coal-fired plants power down.
Economy, Business and Finance
Rise in unemployment shows jobs market softening slowly
The jobs market appears to be softening with a rise in the jobless rate to 4.5 per cent, which should take pressure off the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates.
Coffee machines brew a caffeine hit for Aussie firm
Breville Group has delivered a rise in profit on record revenue and played up opportunities for its coffee machines, especially in the Middle East.
Debt to hit new high but nation’s budget outlook steady
Federal tax changes threaten states and territories' budget bottom lines, but Australia's fiscal outlook remains steady, a new report says.
Punters ditch Powerball, Oz Lotto on major jackpot miss
The Lottery Corporation, which holds licenses for Powerball, Oz Lotto, and TattsLotto, has seen a profit dip after an unfavourable performance in its key games.
Big Australian sees a copper future on AI, energy boom
Surging copper prices meant the red metal accounted for more than half of BHP's earnings in the past financial year as the miner invests heavily in production.
Aussie businesses praised for their innovation
A big bank trying to win the nation's leading business bank crown is looking for more innovative firms to lend to, after seeing a shift in the past six months.
Sales drop triggers share plunge at retail bellwether
Shares in leading retailer JB Hi-Fi have suffered their biggest one-day loss in company history, pointing to tough conditions for the broader sector.
Steelmaker brings it home, after rejecting predators
BlueScope, which owns the Port Kembla steelworks, says it's now in a position of real strength after undergoing a period of investment that's boosted earnings.
Labor vows to defend super scheme from One Nation, Libs
Multiple contentious Labor policies might pass the parliament pending a deal, as Labor goes on the attack against One Nation and the coalition amid new polling.
‘I am so sorry’: audit investigator’s belated apology
An investigator has apologised to a Senate inquiry for failing to properly probe claims of misconduct at one of the biggest multinational auditors.
Electric trucks could deliver a billion-dollar payload
Australian laws are keeping heavy-duty electric trucks off the road, a report says, when they could boost productivity by more than $2 billion.
Half a million and counting: Aussies power battery boom
Australians have installed more than 500,000 household batteries in a move experts say will keep putting downward pressure on power bills.
All My Loving: nation mourns music legend Johnny Young
Tributes are pouring in for Johnny Young after the TV legend and writer of one of Australia's most celebrated songs died at age 79.
Early days but a door is opening for first home buyers
Rising interest rates were already softening mortgage demand from investors but Labor's tax changes in the federal budget deepened the dive.
‘Too far, too fast’: alarm as NDIS revamp moves closer
An inquiry report recommending multibillion-dollar cuts to the national disability fund go ahead is being tempered by widespread warnings over the shake-up
WA stares down ‘east coast clowns’ over costly GST deal
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has promised to fight any move to strip his state of its lucrative GST deal, saying changes could cost it billions.
Down the drain: Penfolds maker falls into the red
Treasury Wine Estates has delivered a huge earnings loss on the back of large writedowns of the value of its US assets and supply chain issues.
Energy giant isn’t sweating after warmer winter
Weather woes and energy market shake-ups aren't weighing heavily on Australia's biggest electricity retailer.
Power debts rise as end of bill relief hits home
Electricity and gas supplier AGL accepts the end of federal government bill relief and cost-of-living pressures are hitting some of its customers.
Stormy year causes big insurer’s profit to nosedive
Hailstones the size of melons were part of the reason Australia's largest insurer lost almost half of its bottom-line net profit in the year to June 30.
Big polluters make small cuts under climate scheme
Australia's biggest polluters have reduced emissions by less than one per cent in two years and an environmental group is calling for reforms.
Biggest bank bullish on home loans despite budget hit
Commonwealth Bank home loan applications plunged after controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains taxes, but it's hopeful of a recovery.
Treasurer tips housing growth despite investor slump
A collapse in property investor lending since the federal budget is good for the economy in the long term, the boss of the nation's biggest bank says.
‘We’re coming’: police launch illegal tobacco crackdown
Federal agencies have launched a nationwide crackdown on the sale and supply of illegal tobacco, as more than 100 service stations are raided.
Mental health defence bid in beheading murder case
A reality TV contestant will seek to mount a mental health defence after pleading not guilty to the beheading murder of her partner.
Aussie media titan soldiers on during brutal ad drought
More aggressively monetising customers' data is on the table as part of a media empire's vicious cost-cutting and revenue-raising mechanisms after a tepid year.
Coral returns to Great Barrier Reef but risks remain
The world's largest coral reef system is showing positive signs of recovery but experts warn severe climate challenges lay ahead.
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
Borrowers are on notice with the Reserve Bank signalling it won't shy away from raising interest rates if inflation comes in higher than forecast.
Toy story: Barbie and Ken’s big, plastic body makeovers
For decades, Barbie and Ken had bodies you'd never find in the real world, but Australian researchers say the plastic power couple are finally human‑ish.
Labor backs ‘strong’ fuel supply as petrol prices bite
Drivers continue to feel the pinch at the bowser despite strong national fuel supplies, as the ongoing volatile war in Iran drags on.