US approves Australian Ioneer’s Nevada lithium mine
The Biden administration has given the nod to an Australian lithium mine in Nevada despite concerns for a rare flower at the site.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australian shares tumble 1.7 pct as US bond yields rise
Every sector of the ASX has lost ground as Australian shares tumbled in their worst collective daily loss since early September.
‘Delay-mongers’: climate boss lashes nuclear supporters
Nuclear proponents are simply delaying the move towards clean and cheap energy as Australia's environment runs out of time, a climate leader says.
Read null about it: privacy changes could bury news
Changes to Australian privacy laws could open an avenue for powerful people to shut down news coverage, a group has told a Senate inquiry.
Coles, Woolies call price check on ACCC discount claim
Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths will fight the consumer watchdog over accusations of dodgy "price drop" campaigns.
Long wait for refunds of ‘gobsmacking’ unlawful fees
Everything from fine payments to marriage certificates have been hit with wrongful merchant surcharges in NSW over eight years.
UAE cash for minerals, but China dominance sparks angst
A free trade deal between Australia and the United Arab Emirates provides a pathway for significant investment in critical minerals and mining.
Banks at odds over easing lending restrictions
Easing lending requirements so more first homebuyers can get a mortgage has received mixed reviews, with warnings more borrowers would face crippling debt.
Insurer’s disaster claims running well under budget
Insurer IAG had relatively fewer natural peril claims in the first quarter of 2024/25, but CEO Nick Hawkins says everyone realises how quickly that can change.
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Labour shortages still ‘number one’ concern: RBA
Firms are struggling to retain workers as activity from mining, infrastructure projects and even the 2032 Brisbane Olympics keeps demand for labour high.
Supermarkets blamed most for cost-of-living woes
A new report reveals Australians lay the blame for the rising cost of living at the feet of supermarkets.
It’s not you: banking outages are taking longer to fix
Digital payment services are under increasing pressure as Aussies ditch cash and they are mostly rising to the task, a Reserve Bank report has found.
Forget electric and focus on hybrid utes, inquiry hears
Australia is not ready to make a full switch to electric vehicles, an inquiry has heard, as the technology cannot accommodate farmers and tradespeople.
Solar panel pioneer in the spotlight at tech awards
Batteries made from waste, earthquake-proof buildings and solar panel technology that keeps lights on around the world have been recognised at an awards gala.
Building bans and buybacks floated for flood zones
A federal investigation into flood insurance failures urges an end to building in high-risk areas and government intervention to stop skyrocketing premiums.
Reserve Bank’s views on hot jobs market to be canvassed
A speech by the Reserve Bank of Australia's deputy governor will draw careful scrutiny amid hopes a long-awaited rates cut could be brought forward.
Freeze on home efficiency standard cops political heat
A coalition plan that would stop changes to energy efficiency standards for buildings over a decade has been criticised for stopping climate change action.
Big business blueprint to nail down housing crisis fix
Quicker approvals and slashing red tape are some of the key measures the business lobby has put forward to improve housing affordability and accessibility.
Qantas says sorry as sacked staff seek $200m justice
Qantas has apologised for its unlawful pandemic retrenching of 1700 workers as the transport union pursues the airline for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Grey area: questions over Sunshine State’s green future
Queensland could revert to coal central as calls grow for a power plan from the energised LNP, days out from voters heading to the polls in the Sunshine State.
Billions poured into defence precinct, creating jobs
Billions of dollars will be poured into a new defence precinct in WA, which is being touted as a rival to the mining industry for jobs and economic growth.
CBA chair says ethical principles will govern AI use
Commonwealth Bank has the "best, most capable people" working on the use of artificial intelligence in its business, chairman Paul O'Malley says.
Qantas braces against carbon neutral greenwash claim
Australia's biggest airline has been referred to the consumer watchdog amid accusations it is misleading passengers about its green credentials.
Bulk of CFMEU probe evidence relates to coercion
Dozens of incidents within the embattled CFMEU are being investigated after it was placed into administration following criminal allegations.
Australian shares march back from all-time high
The ASX200 has dropped 0.4 per cent, with every sector except financials losing ground.
Quit stage diving at concerts, insurers tell musicians
Insurance companies want performers to stop stage diving and throwing things at Australian live music events, an inquiry has been told.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Lobster deal not enough as more China trade championed
China's door is back open for Australian rock lobster fishers, but the trade minister wants more producers tagging along too.
Aussies paying more as rents spike across the nation
Australian renters are paying thousands more to keep a roof over their heads as rental costs for units and houses continue to balloon since the pandemic.
Coalition ‘extreme’ for being against US on ceasefire
The federal coalition has been criticised as being "extreme" for its stance against a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, leaving it at odds with Australia's allies.