$11 million government investment into Sundrive Solar Cells
The Federal government granted an $11 million investment to solar technology company SunDrive, creating over 500 jobs in the process.
Economy, Business and Finance
Mitsubishi cleared of breaking law in gas-guzzling case
A four-year court battle over new car fuel consumption labels has been resolved in the High Court, with Mitsubishi emerging as the winner.
RBA boss hopeful for better year following hard 2023
Higher interest rates and cost of living pressures are hurting households and businesses, with the central bank governor acknowledging it's been a hard year.
Population pressure on Qld health system
Growing demand for hospital presentations and ambulances services has affected health services and emergency departments in Queensland.
Cost of living relief lightens Queensland budget update
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has spruiked further cost-of-living measures on the back off a balanced budget sheet in his mid-year budget update.
Savings found to cover billions in new federal spending
The federal government's mid-year review will show it has found budget savings to pay for new spending, such as the response to the robodebt royal commission.
Tax hikes for foreigners investing in Australian homes
Australia will hike taxes and fees for foreign investors who buy existing houses and leave them empty in a bid to address housing stocks.
Australia passes parcel record with Black Friday boost
A record 53.5 million parcels were processed in November following the Black Friday Sales, with more than half of households nabbing a bargain online.
Chemist Warehouse to land on ASX via merger with Sigma
Privately held Chemist Warehouse has agreed to merge with Sigma Healthcare in a deal that will create a retailer worth around $9 billion.
Government debt now fastest-growing spending pressure
The federal government's debt bill is set to balloon as higher interest rates push up the cost of borrowing.
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric buses to drive tourism in Far North Queensland
Remote areas of Queensland will get 12 new low-emission buses in a project designed to inspire more tourism operations to go electric.
Seven West boss James Warburton stepping down
Broadcaster Seven Network will have a new boss when James Warburton steps down at the end of the financial year after an eventful period for the company.
John Setka’s ex threatened to kill him, court finds
Emma Walters has been spared a conviction after a magistrate found she threatened to kill her estranged husband, union boss John Setka.
International factors driving petrol price pain
Higher international fuel prices driven by oil production cuts and strong demand, combined with a lower US dollar exchange rate, are pushing up petrol prices.
Australia should delay AI laws, productivity boss warns
A business summit has heard Australia should not introduce laws around the use of artificial intelligence or it could risk being left behind other countries.
Posties put parcels first as letter deliveries cut
Letters will only be delivered every second day with Australia Post revamping its workflow to focus on parcels as Aussies turn to online shopping.
In the bag: Aussies beat the Christmas post rush
Australians have been ordering millions of packages in the lead up to Christmas, with the festive season traditionally the busiest period for postal services.
alternative energy
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy saving
environmental issue
renewable energy
Households could halve electricity bills with upgrades
Australian households could save more than $2000 a year on energy bills by upgrading older homes, a report says, but some may need subsidies.
ASX skyrockets as economy shows sign of weakness
The ASX200 made its biggest daily gain in more than a year as lower-than-expected GDP growth signals the RBA's rate rises are having their intended effect.
Rental fix hinges on more homes, namely social housing
A parliamentary inquiry has called for continued funding for social housing in a comprehensive report on Australia's rental crisis.
Shareholders slug Bank of Queensland with first strike
Bank of Queensland is the latest Australian company to suffer a first strike to its remuneration report after a year of falling profits and regulatory strife.
Coal-fired power station restart hit by more delays
Supply issues and sick workers have combined to delay the return to service of a major coal-fired power station in Queensland.
Australian shares drop despite RBA rate reprieve
The ASX200 closed down 0.9 per cent despite the Reserve Bank's decision to keep interest rates on hold at its final meeting of 2023.
Economy weakens as rising costs take toll on households
The Australian economy almost came to standstill last quarter, with clear signs of financial pain in the household sector.
alternative energy
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
environmental issue
renewable energy
Community groups power the switch to renewable energy
Local energy projects are powering up in Australia, with a report showing they have generated enough electricity to power 2800 homes for a year.
Car sales break records but industry warns of slow down
Australians have broken new car sales records again but experts are warning the 'extraordinary' trend may not continue as the cost of living bites.
Customers unable to reach accounts in Westpac outage
Some Westpac customers have been unable to reach their accounts after an apparent online outage, as the bank says it is working to rectify the issue.
Westpac customers access online accounts after outage
Westpac customers have again been able to access their accounts after the bank said a "routine technology update" resulted in an online outage.
RBA gift wraps end-of-year rate relief for borrowers
Borrowers have been spared more cash rate pain at the final Reserve Bank of Australia policy meeting of the year.
Shareholders pull the plug on Origin takeover bid
Origin Energy shareholders have sunk Brookfield's $20 billion takeover bid and the promise of tens of billions of dollars extra in renewables investment.
air pollution
auto trends
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
BYD reveals Aussie electric dreams, plans to expand
Electric car brand BYD has announced plans to expand its stores and service centres in Australia in a bid to claim a larger share of vehicle sales.