Transurban half-year earnings up 7.5pct to $1.3b
Toll road operator Transurban says it had growth in all the markets it operates during the six months to December 31.
Economy, Business and Finance
‘They’ll never change’: PM goes on attack over tax cuts
Anthony Albanese has launched a full-throated attack against the coalition after it loudly complained and then quickly capitulated over changes to tax cuts.
Farmers in far north Qld face long road to recovery
The Albanese government announced $91.8 million in funding for disaster resilience support in the region but it won't help those affected by recent cyclones.
Coalition ‘cannot be taken seriously’ on tax, PM claims
The prime minister says the federal opposition cannot be taken seriously after agreeing to back in stage three tax cut changes following earlier criticism.
Thrifty December cures sales-fuelled debt hangover
Many shoppers racked up credit card bills during the November sales but the damage could have been worse given acute financial pressures.
Workers set to get right to ignore bosses after hours
Ignoring work calls and emails after hours could soon become the new normal as political momentum builds for the 'right to disconnect'.
Palmer loses appeals in resort, election fraud cases
Queensland's Court of Appeal has dismissed applications by Clive Palmer and his Coolum resort relating to charges before Brisbane Magistrates Court.
Aussie motorists show a big preference for big cars
SUVs and utes dominated new car sales in January, according to a new report, dwarfing passenger and electric vehicle sales.
Sydney ‘airport city’ decades away with planning delays
The long-awaited master plan Sydney's newest city has been released, but industry groups and others are frustrated by the slow pace of progress.
Farmers cashing in on renewable energy opportunities
Farmers are making good money from renewable energy projects located on their properties, with some saying the new income stream has saved the family farm.
Almost two in three voters back tax changes, poll shows
Almost two in three voters back changes to tax cuts, but the ongoing debate hasn't made much difference to the popularity contest between the two major parties.
Solar battery faces compulsory recall after house fires
Australia's consumer watchdog is weighing up whether to issue a compulsory recall for an LG solar battery after 13 fires, including one that destroyed a house.
agriculture
economy, business and finance
livestock farming
transport
waterway and maritime transport
Live export ship blocked from sailing to Israel
The federal government has rejected an application to send a stranded live export ship with thousands of sheep and cattle on board back to the Middle East.
Concerns stranded livestock could still go to Israel
Animal activists are concerned an exporter may re-apply to ship thousands of stranded sheep and cattle to the Middle East after an earlier attempt failed.
‘Nothing’s in, nothing’s out’: RBA keeps options open
The Reserve Bank kept interest rates on hold this month but needs to be convinced it's done enough on inflation before considering cuts to the key cash rate.
Choice at the heart of new fuel standards for motorists
Giving motorists more options for cheaper cars is at the heart of proposed fuel efficiency standards, the federal government says.
‘We’ll see’: Albanese throws down gauntlet on tax cuts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is putting pressure on the coalition to back Labor's stage 3 tax cut changes, as federal parliament returns for the new year.
Dutton signals support for Labor’s changes to tax cuts
Australians in need of greater assistance are soon expected to get some relief, with signs the coalition is unlikely to oppose reworked tax cuts.
Aust shares surge after big tech beats boost sentiment
The domestic bourse has hit a fresh all-time high after Amazon, Meta, and Apple all exceeded earnings expectations, raising investor risk appetite.
Meta reveals plans to launch AI services in Australia
The firm behind Facebook has bold ambitions for artificial intelligence, with Mark Zuckerberg announcing plans to create the world's most popular AI services.
Home lending sinks but a stronger 2024 on the horizon
New home loan activity has dipped after a promising few months but improving economic conditions should pave the way for a better 2024.
Store shelves will replenish as port dispute resolves
With DP World's bargaining dispute at an end, deliveries and supermarket stock could soon return to normal but one expert warns this could be short lived.
Aust shares close at record high after inflation data
The ASX200 has closed at a new record high, boosted by cooler-than-expected inflation data that raises the chances of quicker rate hikes.
Home prices climb and rate cuts could fuel more growth
The Australian market is stuck between the competing forces of poor affordability and a supply demand mismatch.
Prices ease but insurance and housing are still biting
Consumer price growth is coming off the boil but some key essential goods and services are still painfully elevated.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Summer charging queues down despite rise in EV sales
Public electric vehicle charging soared by 150 per cent during the holiday period, providers say, but better etiquette and greater options kept queues down.
Tax changes spark calls for complete system redesign
Half of the nation's high-income earners back Labor's proposed tax changes as analysis shows most of the benefits will still flow to the rich.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
Bill shock to ease as cost of power falls, solar shines
Consumers are set to benefit as the national electricity grid uses less coal and gas-fired electricity and the share of renewable energy hits a record.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Car manufacturers pull up short on emission estimates
Automakers are still failing to accurately report their greenhouse gas emissions, a new analysis warns, and some brands fall well short of the target.
After $500m spend, IGO to mothball Cosmos nickel mine
IGO says it will place the under-developed Cosmos nickel mine it purchased just two years ago into care and maintenance mode, with layoffs expected.