Calls for ‘deeper focus’ on Indigenous economic policy
The federal government must "rebalance and re-prioritise" social and economic policy to help close the gap, a First Nations group says.
Economy, Business and Finance
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
One rate dip won’t cut it with voters who want action
Most Australians blame big corporations and not government for the rising cost of living so a lone interest rate cut won't sway their vote, polling indicates.
Santos cuts dividend, says Barossa project nearly done
Santos says its $5.7 billion offshore gas project north of Darwin that was disrupted by a court challenge from three Tiwi Islanders, is nearing completion.
Steelworks forced into administration to ‘save’ future
South Australia has ended months of uncertainty over a critical steelworks by placing the plant into administration.
Espionage and terror threats grow in dangerous era
From hostile foreign nations targeting diaspora communities to youth radicalised online, the top spy agency's annual threat assessment warns risks have grown.
Regional house prices rise as capital city values fall
Australia's historically affordable regional housing markets have continued to demonstrate resilience, compared to a price decline in capital cities.
‘More gaps, more drop-outs’: rise in complaints post-3G
Telcos have been urged to do better in rural Australia, with continued reports of poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G mobile network closed.
Telstra hikes dividend, announces $750m share buy-back
Telstra says it made $1.1 billion in profit in the six months to December 31, up 7.1 per cent from the same period in 2023.
Australian shares push further into record territory
The ASX200 has finished marginally higher at its best-ever level and set an intraday record amid a spate of corporate earnings reports.
Origin bets on gas and batteries to keep the lights on
Leading energy retailer Origin Energy says it is "well-placed" to benefit from the energy transition as it bets on big batteries to help keep the lights on.
Ita Buttrose tried to expedite ABC host’s dismissal
Ita Buttrose asked if a casual ABC radio host who shared a post on the Israel-Gaza war could be kicked off air despite a decision to keep her for all shifts.
Billionaire to sell coal mine to prop up steelworks
Proceeds from a coal mine sale will be used to pump cash into the troubled Whyalla steelworks in a major debt deal.
Meat and vaccine exports at risk if Trump targets GST
Donald Trump's threat to hit trading partners with "reciprocal" tariffs could hit Australian jobs and economic output hard, if he goes after the GST.
Dad brings the country, daughter the indie-pop
Country star Troy Cassar-Daley has won a record 45 Golden Guitars, but his pop singer daughter Jem might soon be more famous.
Investigation continues after nurses sacked over video
Two nurses remain under the police microscope after a video surfaced of them appearing to claim they would kill Israeli patients.
Economists less confident of RBA rate cut than market
An AAP survey of 32 leading Australian economists has tipped the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates this week, but more than one in five remain unconvinced.
Caution urged over polls as Labor bleeds support
A warning has been issued over election polling as tightly clustered results in a close race may not reflect Australians' votes.
Freight routes cut, shelves bare as flood panic hits
Post-cyclone panic buying and freight problems have left empty shelves and limited options for some residents of flood-ravaged northern Western Australia.
Falling Star offered $650m lifeline for ailing casinos
With its shares in the doldrums and questions over its operations, Star has been offered a conditional lifeline through a five-year financing proposal.
Australia must build out of crisis amid shocking data
Red tape must be ripped down to boost productivity in a bid to fix the nation's housing crisis, with shocking new data showing the slowing rate of construction.
Aussie AI, clean energy inventions need urgent funding
Changing tax incentives, creating a spending target, and helping businesses work with researchers could help Australia make breakthroughs the world needs.
Aust, Chinese officials meet after mid-air incident
A mid-air incident involving Australia and China's air forces last week was likely discussed at a senior defence officials' meeting in Beijing.
‘Like winning lottery’: Graziers salute flood impact
Instead of being devastated by his property being hit by floodwaters in western Queensland, a tourist attraction owner has compared it to winning the lottery.
Rates cut at last but ‘no victory on inflation yet’
Australia's big four banks are already promising to pass interest rate cuts on in full after the Reserve Bank lowered the cash rate by 25 basis points.
PM denies rate cut will impact election timing
Anthony Albanese remains coy on when Australians will head to the polls, after the Reserve Bank delivered cost-of-living relief for mortgage holders.
‘Governments shouldn’t own airlines’: Rex rescue panned
A possible government takeover of failed airline Rex has come under fire, with the sector declaring a taxpayer lifeline would create an uneven playing field.
Aussies opt for regional living, pushing up home prices
A continued shift of Australians moving to regional towns for lifestyle reasons has boosted property prices at the expense of capital city values.
Small cars show a big thirst for petrol in road tests
Three popular small cars, including a hybrid model, are among the latest vehicles found using more fuel than expected in Australian road tests.
‘Strong ally’: Australia won’t return fire on tariffs
The clock is ticking for Australia to secure an exemption to Donald Trump's steel tariffs after he accused leaders of breaking their word on an export deal.
Comm Bank hikes dividend as shares hit all-time high
Australia's leading bank has delivered a $5.1 billion first-half cash net profit, in what analysts have called a "gravity-defying rally".