Halfway there: Australia on track for renewable goal
If current momentum gained in the six months is sustained then Australia can reach its 2030 renewable energy target, think tank research suggests.
Economy, Business and Finance
Deficits dig deeper holes as cracks appear in budget
Australia is on track for a soft economic landing despite budget deficits set to widen as spending grows and tax receipts fall, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Tragic end to waterfall search for missing tourist
Almost a day after an international tourist was reported missing, police have discovered the man's body at a waterfall in far north Queensland.
The women who could soon influence your mortgage
Two new faces will serve on the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate-setting board, with the government defying calls from the coalition for continuity.
GP payroll tax, first homebuyer stamp duty scrapped
A state government has fulfilled more of its election promises by scrapping a "patient's tax" and stamp duty for first-home buyers.
Westpac shareholders question bank’s climate plan
Westpac shareholder activists have questioned bank executives about how its climate change policies will be applied.
PM rubbishes Dutton’s nuclear energy plan as ‘farcical’
Anthony Albanese has poured scorn on Peter Dutton's "farcical" nuclear plan and questioned the Liberal leader's claim it would lead to cheaper energy.
Through dagwood dogs or hot wings, country shows unite
The man behind one of the biggest agricultural fairs in the US is set to visit Australia, sharing wisdom on everything from Pluto pups, to pigs and parking.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Mining export slump puts federal budget in the doldrums
Economic headwinds from China has sparked a major downgrade to Australia's budget position, limiting the government's ability to support struggling households.
‘Sense of urgency’: extra social homes fast-tracked
Funding an extra 5000 social properties through a partnership with the community housing sector will help get more people into homes sooner, advocates say.
Bank chief doubts trade-war risk will cancel Christmas
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come has visited the RBA deputy, revealing little chance of the global economy plunging into another Depression.
Value of Australian homes may drop in early 2025
Australian home values could dip in early 2025 but a drop in interest rates is expected to send buyer demand up again.
Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
Insurance giant sued over ‘loyalty tax’ on policies
A class action has been filed against NRMA Insurance's parent on behalf of millions of customers allegedly ripped off on home and contents insurance policies.
Myer brings in body cameras, radios to keep staff safe
Mid-market department store Myer is beefing up security in its stores to protect workers and reduce the amount of theft.
Work on ‘safe’ nuclear reactors from day one of victory
A warning it will take "decades" to make coal sites safe for nuclear reactors has been dismissed as polling shows staunch opposition from women voters.
Potential credit rating drop keeps government dangling
Project cost blowouts and extra government spending could put too much pressure on a state's budget for it to retain its longstanding AA+ credit rating.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Where home prices are expected to grow fastest in 2025
Australian property values are set to keep rising over the next 12 months but controversial tax changes are helping keep one state's home price growth in check.
Are you better off: question at heart of next election
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
‘Crypto summer is back with a bang’: Bitcoin hits $100k
There's a sense of euphoria among Aussie crypto enthusiasts after bitcoin broke through the $US100,000 level, and many believe the rally is just beginning.
Calls for leniency over ‘inept’ attempts to fleece bank
A group's attempts to defraud a major bank out of more than $20 million have been described as rudimentary and doomed to fail.
Aussie shares higher amid hopes for third US rate cut
The ASX200 finished up as bitcoin smashed through the $US100,000 mark for the first time and markets took a lead on possible rate cuts in the US.
Woolies wins battle in warehouse worker stoush
Supermarket giant Woolworths will start restocking shelves after the workplace umpire backed its fight against workers blocking crucial distribution centres.
Tide turns for retailers with shop tills tipped to ring
Australians have been saving what they can as living costs soar but experts expect more spending in the next 12 months, especially when interest rates are cut.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Aussie shares dip, on track to finish the week flat
The ASX200 was down half a per cent at midday ahead of a key US jobs report that could determine whether the Fed cuts interest rates one more time this year.
Aussie shares drop ahead of key US jobs report
The ASX200 has fallen 0.6 per cent ahead of a key US jobs report that could determine whether the Fed cuts interest rates one more time in 2024.
Indigenous winemakers pouring culture into every drop
An Indigenous-owned wine company is celebrating its success, as it expands internationally and gives back to community.
Woolies rushes to deck the shelves with Christmas stock
Woolworths is counting the cost of a 17-day strike that took millions of dollars from their bottom line and left shelves empty in the lead-up to Christmas.