Aussie shares dip, on track to finish the week flat
The ASX200 was down half a per cent at midday ahead of a key US jobs report that could determine whether the Fed cuts interest rates one more time this year.
Economy, Business and Finance
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Tide turns for retailers with shop tills tipped to ring
Australians have been saving what they can as living costs soar but experts expect more spending in the next 12 months, especially when interest rates are cut.
Woolies wins battle in warehouse worker stoush
Supermarket giant Woolworths will start restocking shelves after the workplace umpire backed its fight against workers blocking crucial distribution centres.
Aussie shares higher amid hopes for third US rate cut
The ASX200 finished up as bitcoin smashed through the $US100,000 mark for the first time and markets took a lead on possible rate cuts in the US.
Calls for leniency over ‘inept’ attempts to fleece bank
A group's attempts to defraud a major bank out of more than $20 million have been described as rudimentary and doomed to fail.
‘Crypto summer is back with a bang’: Bitcoin hits $100k
There's a sense of euphoria among Aussie crypto enthusiasts after bitcoin broke through the $US100,000 level, and many believe the rally is just beginning.
Are you better off: question at heart of next election
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
Where home prices are expected to grow fastest in 2025
Australian property values are set to keep rising over the next 12 months but controversial tax changes are helping keep one state's home price growth in check.
computing and information technology
inquiry
it/computer sciences
online
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Potential credit rating drop keeps government dangling
Project cost blowouts and extra government spending could put too much pressure on a state's budget for it to retain its longstanding AA+ credit rating.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
environmental politics
inquiry
nuclear power
politics
Work on ‘safe’ nuclear reactors from day one of victory
A warning it will take "decades" to make coal sites safe for nuclear reactors has been dismissed as polling shows staunch opposition from women voters.
auto trends
automotive equipment
budgets and budgeting
consumer issue - macro economics
consumers
economy (general)
road transport
transport
Deals on the bus go down, down: transport costs plunge
Transport costs have fallen for Australian households, a report shows, led by public transport discounts and falling fuel prices.
breaking_news
economic policy
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
politics
Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts
The Australian economy is growing slowly with government support, with energy rebates effectively transferring household spending to the public purse.
‘Kick in the guts’: bank slammed for $3 withdrawal fee
One of the big four banks has come under fire for changes to one of its everyday accounts which means some customers are slugged $3 when they withdraw cash.
KFC franchisee takes hit as costs eat into profit
KFC and Taco Bell franchisee Collins Foods says its underlying profit was down by nearly a quarter in the first half.
Milestone for renewable energy to power iron ore port
An energy project combining cyclone-busting solar panels and a big battery has been built in the Pilbara region to decarbonise iron ore port operations.
Thirty licences to open a cafe: state red tape ranked
Australian business must work through a patchwork of regulations wherever they operate, but requirements in some states are more onerous than in others.
Urgent action needed to stamp out battery fire risks
Companies who import electronic goods to Australia should be forced to register and recycle their batteries, an expert says, to address growing fire risks.
The 50 million reasons Woolies wants blockade to end
Woolworths says strike action has cost the company $50 million as it lodges an urgent application to ban workers from blocking access to its warehouses.
Warnings of blackouts as rural workers go on strike
Electricity workers are preparing to walk off the job as a pay dispute, simmers, with regional residents warned of potential blackouts at the start of summer.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
Call for super funds to pump gas giants for change
An analysis of the way some of the biggest superannuation funds vote at shareholder meetings suggests they're backing down over the expansion of oil and gas.
Social media ban won’t stop online risks, experts warn
Banning children from traditional social media platforms might not be as straightforward as Australian parents are being led to believe.
Building data nailed but future framework doubts linger
Home building approvals have broken a two-year ceiling but industry groups warn it's not enough to meet a target of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
Virgin gets first clearance to take flight with Qatar
Virgin and Qatar airlines can begin planning new flights between Australia and Doha together, with a final decision on their partnership due within months.
Top bank chief reveals why rates are still on hold
Australia's top central banker reveals why she still hasn't pulled the trigger on interest rate cuts despite similar countries already taking action.
Aussie shares gain again, set for another record high
The ASX200 was up 0.5 per cent at midday, and on track to break Monday's record for its highest closing level ever.
Casino operator counts the cost of going cashless
The leaders charged with turning around the fortunes of troubled casino operator Star have given shareholders a frank assessment of the difficulties ahead.
Funding shortfall denies 400,000 of key legal service
Hundreds of thousands of Australians are being turned away from community legal centres, as the sector battles chronic underfunding.
Half of nation vie for $100m Powerball jackpot prize
One lucky Australian may become $100 million richer with the sixth-largest jackpot in lottery history up for grabs in the latest Powerball draw.