AGL slams nuclear option, doubles down on big batteries
Australia's biggest emitter AGL Energy will build "a whole range of assets", but not nuclear reactors, to support the closure of 50-year-old coal power plants.
Economy, Business and Finance
The cost of broadband is rising, but so is its speed
Australians are paying more to access the internet but thousands more households are getting access to faster download speeds.
Aussie shares hit record as CBA beats expectations
The ASX200 has finished up 0.6 per cent to close at its highest level after CBA, Suncorp and AGL all beat earnings forecasts.
“Doesn’t get any worse’: towns brace for cyclone Zelia
Locals are preparing for Tropical Cyclone Zelia, which is being described as big, strong and unpredictable as it heads for coastal towns.
Taxpayers take risk on Rex if ailing airline can’t sell
Experts are questioning why taxpayers should be placed on the hook for bailing out Rex through a government takeover if buyers are unwilling to take the risk.
Workers fear use of AI in hiring and firing decisions
Artificial intelligence technology is already being used to monitor Aussie workers even though laws governing its use are not yet in place.
Kerbside charging boost to curb electric car concerns
Hundreds of electric vehicle chargers will be installed on power poles across three states in a bid to remove concerns about swapping to next-gen transport.
Actors win top film awards – without being on screen
At the 2025 AACTA Awards, motion capture performances and voice acting have been recognised for the first time.
Bird flu case detected in Victoria’s north
There has been a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Victoria, days after the federal government announced it had eradicated the disease from Australia.
‘Hold the line’: politicians say goodbye ahead of poll
Retiring politicians have issued rallying calls to the nation to remain optimistic about the future as they bid farewell ahead of a federal election.
Time for ‘rubber to hit the road’ in Closing the Gap
A plan to reduce disadvantage among Indigenous people is at risk of not meeting targets, as Indigenous leaders call for funding to back programs.
Foreign buyers circle Star flagship casino precinct
Star Entertainment has confirmed it's in talks to sell its stake in one of Australia's largest entertainment precincts, amid continued financial woes.
Albanese to press Trump for tariff breaks for Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attempt to secure Australian companies an exemption from US tariffs in a direct phone call with President Donald Trump.
Aussie shares dip as Trump vows to impose metal tariffs
The ASX200 has fallen after US President Donald Trump said he would impose new levies on steel and aluminium imports.
Clean energy incentives clear last major hurdle
Australia is one step closer to transitioning away from fossil fuels after major tax incentives for clean energy passed the Senate.
Bank moratorium ‘too late’ for rural towns left behind
The federal government has announced a moratorium on regional bank closures, but it's cold comfort for those who have already lost their local branches.
Treasurer courts business with productivity promises
Helping businesses leverage clean energy and AI will transform Australia to its "fourth economy" and improve productivity growth, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Flooding puts focus on failing major highway
Promises of a better Bruce Highway costing billions of dollars have followed another flooding of the major road which isolated towns and sparked rescues.
Economic uncertainty clouds business investment outlook
The value of planned investment projects, such as road and rail infrastructure, has fallen as businesses cut costs in response to rising economic uncertainty.
Witches, pop star’s memoir drive up News Corp revenue
News Corp shares have hit an all-time high after posting five per cent revenue and 20 per cent earnings growth in the second quarter.
Telcos talk up 3G shut down amid ‘dire’ safety fears
Rural Australians have reported poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G network closure, but the telcos say their coverage is steady or better.
Electric vehicle sales brake as car market slows again
Australians bought fewer new cars in January, with electric car sales more than halving despite growing price competition and new limits on vehicle emissions.
Australian shares give up gains as Trump tariffs start
The ASX200 had been up by as much as 0.8 per cent in early trading but closed slightly lower as US President Donald Trump's levies begin on China.
Power company fined $9m over explosion and blackout
A Federal Court justice has found a coal-fired power station's "catastrophic failure and destruction" was a result of serious breaches in operating procedures.
Senator pushes for gambling industry influence inquiry
David Pocock is critical of the government for not acting on a landmark report recommending banning gambling ads, linking it to industry lobbying efforts.
House prices expected to rise amid supply challenge
Housing will remain a key policy battlefield at the election with prices expected to continue increasing and efforts to boost supply lagging behind targets.
Review to put derailed 2032 Games plans back on track
A multi-billion-dollar transport problem will be tackled by an Olympic infrastructure review as cost blowouts threaten to derail major 2032 rail projects.
Aussie shares hit record high as rate-cut hopes grow
The ASX200 has hit a new high in intraday trading and finished just under its all-time closing record amid optimism the RBA will cut rates at its next meeting.
Aussie shares set another record on back of rates hype
The ASX200 has risen almost half a per cent to finish at its highest-ever level and end January up 4.6 per cent from where it started.
Fresh data to shed light on retail, housing strength
Australians are expected to have pulled back on retail spending after major sales, with the latest data unlikely to shift the dial for the Reserve Bank.
Home approvals bounce can’t keep a lid on prices
Home values held firm in January as a shallow and short-lived housing downturn nears its end, with new supply coming too slowly to solve unaffordability.