No Aldi? Then you’re probably paying more for groceries
A lack of supermarket competition in parts of Australia has led to higher grocery prices for some unlucky residents, consumer research has found.
Economy, Business and Finance
States power up to shut down nuclear ambitions
As the federal opposition attempts to force the construction of nuclear reactors, state leaders say they will not go down without a fight.
Derailed: Metro Tunnel cost to blow out beyond $12.8b
A nine-month delay and contingency money running out has been blamed for the total cost of Melbourne's Metro Tunnel blowing out beyond $12.8 billion.
Aldi stores help keep prices down at Coles, Woolworths
Research from consumer group Choice has revealed customers are paying $17 less for groceries on average at Aldi compared to major supermarkets.
Why Australia is hosting an electric vehicle price war
Thousands of dollars are being cut from the price of some electric cars as brands battle to lead the market and Chinese automakers face global taxes.
‘Deep bonds’: Australia, China talk up renewed rapport
Australia's relationship with China is steadily improving, Beijing's second-most powerful leader says, following talks between leaders of both countries.
Stubborn economic challenges hang over RBA rates call
A June interest rate meeting comes as the federal government defends its budget management in an economy facing slow growth and persistent inflation.
Win for dudded savers as banks forced to alert changes
A suite of changes to banking regulations should make it easier for customers to move to more competitive home loan and saving account offers.
Farm waste may help power Australia’s biofuel future
Tax breaks and emission targets will be considered as part of a consultation into Australia's emerging biofuel industry that could power air and road travel.
Entitlements up in the air as Bonza workers jettisoned
More than 300 Bonza workers have been sacked after administrators failed to find a buyer to bail out the grounded airline.
‘Beyond belief’: cancer risk poses water rules queries
Experts want drinking water standards lifted after the US cracked down on the presence of chemicals linked to causing cancer.
Chinese premier to visit Australia for four-day tour
Li Qiang will be the first Chinese premier to visit Australia for seven years when he makes an official trip to Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
Households keep falling behind as rate increases bite
Most borrowers are adapting to tough financial conditions but the number of people in hardship or struggling to meet repayments is growing.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
money and monetary policy
politics
Chalmers eyes soft landing amid budget criticism
The pressure on Australia's economy from higher interest rates justifies the decision not to deliver a "slash and burn" budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Dry weather in some states dampens farmer confidence
Farmer confidence has taken a U-turn in the latest quarter in the face of economic pressures and mixed seasonal conditions across Australia.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric cars are not the only fix for green transport
Governments will need to look at more than just electric vehicles to make significant transport emission cuts, modelling from Monash University says.
‘Scandalous’ fracking approval alarms owners, groups
A gas producer has been granted environmental approval to drill gas wells in the Beetaloo Basin, sparking concern from Indigenous and environmental groups.
Tourism bounces back after destructive cyclones
Tourists are flocking back to north Queensland, months after two cyclones caused destruction in the region.
Australians need assurance on ‘toxic’ inflation: RBA
The RBA's strategy of bringing down inflation gradually to protect the jobs market is a different tactic but it has worked, the central bank's new deputy says.
Record $26b green energy boost for emissions target bid
Queensland Labor has earmarked huge funds for green power, storage and transmission projects to support the state's emissions targets.
Women are reaching economic equality but femicide rises
Rising economic equality traditionally reduces gender-based violence but an expert fears this correlation may no longer be true in Australia. She explains why.
Ex-premier blasts LNP successor for backing govt budget
LNP leader David Crisafulli's support for funded projects in Labor's last budget before the Queensland election has been slammed by ex-premier Campbell Newman.
Tiwi Islanders take aim at bank’s complaint rejection
ANZ has rejected a complaint from Tiwi traditional owners who say the bank's funding of fossil fuel projects contribute to adverse human rights impacts.
Timber industry bleeding cash as shutdown bites
There's no end in sight to a large-scale shutdown of timber harvesting in NSW, with all sectors of the timber industry feeling the financial pain.
‘We will catch you’: Shorten pledges NDIS fraud action
Criminals and charlatans attempting to defraud the National Disability Insurance Scheme have been warned they will be caught.
Cost-of-living relief as SA keeps budget in surplus
South Australia's treasurer says the state is gearing up to benefit from "transformative economic developments" after delivering another budget surplus.
‘Barely growing’: economy limping as rate pain builds
The economy is still expanding - but only just - after households opened the purse strings for concerts and other one-off events in the March quarter.
What would Banksy think? Big data steers mega art bucks
A multimillion-dollar company is using data to bring global entertainment to cities across Australia - but does it matter if what they offer is the real thing?
Lending to property investors jumps amid rising rents
A pick up in investor lending and housing-related loans more generally comes even as interest rates stay elevated and cuts remain in the distant future.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
economy (general)
environmental pollution
road transport
sales
transport
Aussies spend big on cars but choose fuel-saving models
Australian drivers bought a record number of new vehicles in May, with many choosing to reduce their fuel costs by choosing hybrid and electric models.
Reserve Bank keeps options open on interest rates
Interest rates could go higher again if inflation proves stickier than expected or moves higher, the head of the Reserve Bank of Australia says.