Volkswagen to test car tech to make kangaroos go jump
Australian-made car technology that will play sounds kangaroos don't like will be tested in motion after receiving university approval.
Economy, Business and Finance
Calls to complete Inland Rail to Queensland
The Queensland Government remains resolute that the 1700km Inland Rail project must reach Brisbane amid delays in approvals and funding.
Wage and energy bills prompt ‘cost-of-trading crisis’
Soaring wages, energy and insurance bills are hurting Australia's retailers, as the sector's peak body calls for relief to help businesses stay afloat.
Aust shares rally to new record, finish just below 7900
The ASX200 rose 1.0 per cent to finish at 7,897 after trading above 7,900 for the first time ever on the last day of the March quarter.
China drops heavy tariffs against Australian winemakers
China has abolished heavy tariffs on Australian wine that were imposed at the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020.
Festivals probe tackles not so splendour music scene
A federal bid to help salvage Australia's live music scene has been launched after Splendour in the Grass cancelled its July event.
Crowds shell out for seafood as Easter egg prices crack
Australians have flocked to fish markets for the traditional Good Friday shopping spree but cheaper species are expected to be high on the menu this year.
SA uncorks support to bolster wine exports to China
The SA government has unveiled a package to help winemakers return to China's huge market with the lifting of punitive tariffs.
Reserve Bank’s shift to neutral likely to be reinforced
The central bank will be in the spotlight this week, when high ranking officials give policy speeches and the minutes of the last rates meeting are released.
Cost of living, natural disasters impact tourism
Domestic travellers are opting to have shorter, cheaper holidays closer to home as international tourism continues to recover from the pandemic, new data shows.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
EV owners urged to change charging behaviour for Easter
Charge early and plan ahead: experts are advising electric vehicle drivers to be mindful of others to avoid queues during a record-breaking Easter holiday.
Home builders want training costs reflected in pay call
The minimum wage decision should take into account the cost of training workers to plug skills gaps, a key home building lobby group says.
Inflation holds steady but services prove stubborn
Consumer prices are growing at the same annual pace as last month, with Taylor Swift concerts fuelling a minor uptick in hotel prices in the big cities.
Tech sell-off leads Australian shares modestly lower
The local share market closed down 0.4 per cent, with losses for the technology and telecommunications sectors outweighing gains by oil and gas producers.
Property profits up as prices keep ticking higher
Australia's real estate resilience has kept on keeping on despite higher interest rates and gloomy consumer sentiment.
‘We’re concerned’: states revolt over NDIS cost fears
State and territory leaders are calling for transparency about NDIS costs as they push back against planned reforms, which they say are being rushed.
Middle of the road: compromise for utes, SUVs in rules
Rules to lower vehicle emissions in Australia will involve compromises for utes and some large four-wheel-drive vehicles following industry negotiations.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
‘Deliberate demand destruction’ stinging gas consumers
Western Australia faces an immediate gas supply risk triggered by the rush to run the nation on renewable energy, an audience of business leaders has heard.
Employers, unions at odds on wage call and inflation
Unions and employer groups have clashed on the annual review of minimum and award wages and its likely influence on still-above target inflation.
Wine being chilled to toast possible end to China beef
There is cautious optimism from Australian producers that a landmark visit by China's foreign minister could signal the end of punitive trade barriers.
Renters sweating on rules to cool their homes
It's hotter inside some rental properties than outside for 8 hours a day in summer but renters are increasingly powerless due to cost of living pressures.
Rates on hold but RBA ‘not ruling anything in or out’
Interest rates have been left steady for another meeting and the Reserve Bank has kept its options wide open when it comes to future moves.
breaking_news
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Relief for some as power prices drop, but not for all
Regulators have released draft recommendations on what consumers in Australia's east will pay to keep the lights on. One state will see a big drop.
Calls to heat up competition in nation’s postal sector
A tech start-up is pushing for Australia Post's delivery network to be opened up to private players, in a bid to drive competition and boost regional economies.
States in harmony on GST forecasts, discord on carve-up
Several state treasurers are calling on commonwealth officials to tell them how much GST they can expect for the next four years.
Product price hike fears over supermarket smash-up laws
An unlikely political alliance is stirring to push new laws that punish supermarkets for price gouging but the business lobby is warning of unintended outcomes.
Online shopping is forcing down prices by $1100 a year
Greater competition from online shopping is forcing down the price of some goods, research has found, and could have a bigger impact in the future.
alternative energy
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
renewable energy
research
research and development
road transport
transport
Electric vehicles threaten to overtake hydrogen promise
The popularity of hydrogen cars is dropping in Australia and overseas, leading many experts to question the role it will play in the future of transport.
Australians spend less, more often in online shop surge
Baby boomers are increasingly shopping online but have a way to go before out-spending their millennial children as cost-of-living pressures shrink baskets.
Google and Apple challenged in Epic court showdown
Apple and Google profited from "anti-competitive, unconscionable" restrictions on apps that financially impacted consumers, the firm behind Fortnite says.
Extra paid parental leave welcomed but unions want more
An increase in paid parental leave to 26 weeks from mid-2026 has been welcomed but there are calls to further reform the scheme.