Borrowers warned not to count on 2024 rates relief
Hotter-than-expected inflation data has likely pushed back the start date for interest rate cuts, a move that will keep pressure on mortgage holder budgets.
Economy, Business and Finance
Housing crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’
Tax reform, building more public housing, and lifting social support payments have all been floated as pieces of the housing affordability puzzle.
Cheaper renewable energy driving electricity costs down
Renewable energy generation is lifting its overall share of a growing national electricity market and pushing wholesale prices down, according to official data.
Ute-turn: electric, hybrid utes ready for Aussie launch
Electric and hybrid utes are queuing up to launch in Australia following policy changes, and experts say they offer benefits which could attract new fans.
South Australia tops economic leaderboard again
South Australia is the top-performing state economy for the second quarter running although Western Australia could overtake it in coming months.
Consumer price data to set scene for May rates call
The cost of living pressures plaguing households have been subsiding and fresh data released this week will hopefully reveal further softening.
More cost of living relief on cards in federal budget
Ahead of the May federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has flagged more cost of living relief that will need to take pressure off inflation, not add to it.
Federal-state deal powers up for more clean energy
Clean energy resources will be boosted under a Commonwealth scheme with the states to provide more electricity.
‘Why not walk?’ Google Maps to roll out green features
Tech giant Google will introduce a series of features designed to save fuel or car trips to celebrate Earth Day.
Social media giants put on notice over stabbing content
Political leaders are calling for an overhaul of social media platforms and harsher penalties following the Bondi Junction stabbing attack
Fire ants found for first time in Murray Darling Basin
The first fire ants detection has been made in the Murray Darling Basin, fuelling calls for an urgent funding review for eradication efforts.
Aust shares plunge on Mideast tension, rising yields
The ASX200 index has suffered its second-worst loss in 13 months, dropping to an eight-week low as prospects dimmed further for quick US rate cuts.
Climate change differences for farmers by state
A rural report into the impact of climate change in every state calls for research to determine how land management can help achieve emission reduction targets.
Critical minerals loan will help export sector grow: PM
Anthony Albanese says a $400 million loan to the critical minerals sector will help expand exports into nearby southeast Asia.
Treasurer admits ‘difficult’ budget ahead for Qld
The Queensland government will maintain its commitment to cost-of-living relief for households despite the treasurer warning of a difficult budget ahead.
Aust shares edge higher at noon after 4 days of losses
The ASX200 was up 0.2 per cent at midday, stabilising after a four-day losing streak, even as Fed chairman Jay Powell spoke of keeping rates high for longer.
Casino bosses resigned over disillusionment with chief
Former executives at a Sydney casino have accused their ex-boss of fostering exclusion and secrecy at the beleaguered company, which led to them leaving.
Aust shares edge lower as losing streak hits five days
The ASX200 finished down 0.1 per cent, giving up its modest morning gains, as Fed chairman Jay Powell spoke of keeping rates high for longer.
Party heavyweights call for social media ‘rinse out’
Social media companies 'need a big rinse out' following the Bondi Junction shopping centre murders, with both parties urging tougher penalties for platforms.
Casino bosses spied and mulled ‘war’ against regulator
Star bosses privately discussed getting rid of their casino manager despite publicly declaring they were working cooperatively to regain the casino's licence.
Bunnings baulks at firmer rules around plant suppliers
Hardware giant Bunning Warehouse could be included in a mandatory code of conduct aimed at major supermarkets, with concerns raised about plant suppliers.
News outlets risk using fake photos without AI policies
Only one in three media outlets have strict rules about generative AI tools and editors are concerned about spreading artificial images, a study has found.
Two cryptocurrency companies collapse owing $160m
Two separate Australian cryptocurrency companies have collapsed while federal court proceedings are being pursued against the directors of the businesses.
Airfares fall as capacity recovers to pre-COVID levels
Travellers cutting back on holidays due to cost-of-living pressures will see airfares continue to fall with airline capacity back to pre-COVID levels.
agriculture
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
politics
Deeper cuts to carbon emissions under draft 2035 target
Australians will compete for public funds, electricity supply and land access under plans for the nation to cut its emissions by up to 75 per cent by 2035.
Renters could save $1300 a year with solar rollout
Renters, apartment dwellers and low-income households could save thousands on energy bills if the government staged a national solar rollout, a study has found.
Casino bosses secretly mulled ‘war’ against regulator
Star bosses privately discussed getting rid their casino manager despite publicly declaring they were working cooperatively to regain the casino's licence.
Urgent meeting sought over $550 War Memorial upgrade
As findings of cost blowouts and conflicts of interests swirl around, the government has sought an urgent briefing with the national audit office.
PM downplays commission criticism on manufacturing push
The chair of the productivity commission has raised concern the Future Made in Australia Act could increase reliance on government funds.
Regions to suffer most as snail mail gets even slower
Australia Post's new performance standards could impact regional and rural Australians most, an expert warns, as posties are given more time to deliver letters.
Renters hit with steepest quarterly hike in 17 years
The price pressures on renters intensified in the first months of 2024, with the sharpest quarterly increase in nearly two decades recorded.