Pharmaceutical giant sued over ‘ineffective’ cold drugs
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is facing a class action concerning cold and flu medication known to be "ineffective".
Economy, Business and Finance
Miners have ‘hands tied’ as earnings set to plunge
Mining companies are set to see their earnings plummet as commodity prices fall, resulting in lower tax receipts and bigger government debt.
ANZ chief executive forfeits $1.5m bonus after outcry
The CEO of a big-four bank has forfeited a bonus worth $1.5 million after a backlash from shareholders upset about poor behaviour in its trading rooms.
Aussie dollar, shares take a hit as US rate hopes fade
A surprise fall in the Australian dollar to around 62 US cents could put a dent in travellers' pockets over Christmas after US markets got the wobbles.
AGL weighs appeal of ‘significant’ $25m court penalty
An energy retailer is deciding whether to appeal a record court-imposed penalty in a case brought by the regulator for overcharging customers on welfare.
Long flight to justice ends for sacked Qantas workers
The end of a protracted legal battle is being welcomed by workers illegally sacked by Qantas as they turn to rebuilding their lives after four years.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Westpac shareholders question bank’s climate plan
Westpac shareholder activists have questioned bank executives about how its climate change policies will be applied.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How a Trump presidency could affect Aussie produce
Farmers are keeping a close eye on US president-elect Donald Trump's commitment to impose tariffs on imports.
consumer goods
consumers
energy
energy (general)
environmental cleanup
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
research
road transport
transport
Exhausted: Australia lags Europe, US on car pollution
Vehicles are getting bigger but more efficient, a transport study has found, but Australia is still being lapped by other nations on low-emission cars.
Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
New homes lead the way in energy efficiency
Canberra boasts the most energy efficient homes in Australia but cities with older stock like Sydney and Hobart are lagging.
Free public wi-fi ‘gamechanger’ for remote communities
More than 20 communities will have free wi-fi in public spaces through a $20 million government program to address the digital divide in remote areas.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
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.
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.
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.