Cattle prices to soar but steaks shouldn’t cost more
Analysts say cattle prices are set to soar over the next two years but the cost of beef in the supermarket may not break the bank.
Economy, Business and Finance
Fresh park asbestos threat as council warned
The Environment Protection Authority has found another Melbourne park potentially contaminated by asbestos as it hits a council with two remedial notices.
Lobbying ‘essential’ to democracy: anti-corruption boss
Lobbying has long been viewed with distrust but the NSW anti-corruption commissioner says it is necessary and can serve the public interest when done well.
Hefty fines, tougher code could cut grocery prices: PM
Shoppers could pay less for groceries under plans to impose heavy financial penalties on supermarkets that fail to comply with a code of conduct.
Whistleblower speaks out about defence housing project
A whistleblower has accused Defence Housing Australia of breaching the conditions of a planning permit in an environmentally sensitive area, which it denies.
Electrolyser factory puts regional town on hydrogen map
The first manufacturing facility in Australia to build hydrogen electrolysers at a commercial scale has opened in Queensland.
Calls for Amazon, Costco to fall under code of conduct
Grocery giant Woolworths is supporting recommendations to make the supermarket code of conduct mandatory but says it must apply to other retailers as well.
Japan partnership an ‘evolution’ of AUKUS: PM
As AUKUS partners plan to work with Japan on technology sharing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the security pact will not grow to four countries.
Coles, Woolworths bosses set for Senate showdown
The heads of Coles and Woolworths will be grilled by a Senate committee examining supermarket prices as debate rages about the power of the two retail giants.
Tuning out: party ends for a third of music festivals
A landmark report into Australia's live music festival sector has revealed at least one in three events lose money.
Uber ride-share rival Ola hits the brakes in Australia
Ride-share company Ola will end its operations in Australia after six years, warning customers of the closure in an email.
Treasurer has eyes on mandatory company merger regime
The biggest shake-up of merger rules in years will force businesses to disclose proposed takeovers and fast-track proposals that won't threaten competition.
animal
construction and property
environmental issue
environmental politics
government
laws
politics
Minister flags faster environmental decisions
Unacceptable projects that have clear environmental impacts would be ruled out from the outset under changes to environmental protection reforms.
‘Hit and miss’ merger rules reworked in major shake-up
Sweeping changes to merger rules have been welcomed by the national competition regulator and received a wary but hopeful response from big business.
‘Be wary about free mulch’ amid asbestos fears: agency
While testing for asbestos in mulch has found few traces of contamination, the Victorian environment regulator is urging people to remain vigilant.
Home building muted yet rate cuts could spur activity
The pace of home building, as shown by official dwelling approvals data, continues to lag behind strong demand for housing.
Dumped or contaminated: parks probe after asbestos find
Environment regulators are investigating whether asbestos found in mulch at a Melbourne playground was illegally dumped or was part of the garden product.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
diesel fuel
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
sales
transport
Big car sales boom but EV buyers are hitting the gas
Sports utility vehicles dominated new car sales in Australia during March, according to new figures, but sales of low-emission cars are accelerating.
Electric car price war resumes as one brand sets record
The price of the cheapest electric vehicle in Australia has dropped again, in a move experts say shows the fuel-efficiency standard is already working.
Bus driver set to plead to charges over fatal crash
Bus driver Brett Button is expected to enter pleas in May to almost 90 charges over a crash which killed 10 people in NSW's Hunter Valley.
Musicians singing the blues in an underpaid industry
As the nation's live music sector struggles to bounce back post-pandemic, a survey has revealed the extent to which musicians are being short-changed.
Australian shares hit record high but close lower
The ASX200 has finished down 0.1 per cent despite setting a record intraday high on strength from the mining sector.
Volkswagen to test car tech to make kangaroos go jump
Australian-made car technology that will play sounds kangaroos don't like will be tested in motion after receiving university approval.
Calls to complete Inland Rail to Queensland
The Queensland Government remains resolute that the 1700km Inland Rail project must reach Brisbane amid delays in approvals and funding.
Wage and energy bills prompt ‘cost-of-trading crisis’
Soaring wages, energy and insurance bills are hurting Australia's retailers, as the sector's peak body calls for relief to help businesses stay afloat.
Aust shares rally to new record, finish just below 7900
The ASX200 rose 1.0 per cent to finish at 7,897 after trading above 7,900 for the first time ever on the last day of the March quarter.
China drops heavy tariffs against Australian winemakers
China has abolished heavy tariffs on Australian wine that were imposed at the height of diplomatic tensions in 2020.
Festivals probe tackles not so splendour music scene
A federal bid to help salvage Australia's live music scene has been launched after Splendour in the Grass cancelled its July event.
Crowds shell out for seafood as Easter egg prices crack
Australians have flocked to fish markets for the traditional Good Friday shopping spree but cheaper species are expected to be high on the menu this year.
SA uncorks support to bolster wine exports to China
The SA government has unveiled a package to help winemakers return to China's huge market with the lifting of punitive tariffs.
Reserve Bank’s shift to neutral likely to be reinforced
The central bank will be in the spotlight this week, when high ranking officials give policy speeches and the minutes of the last rates meeting are released.