Fears ‘free’ electricity could come with hidden costs
Some households will get free access to electricity for three hours a day but questions have been raised about unintended consequences from the plan.
Economy, Business and Finance
Protester crashes cop briefing after weapons expo clash
Hundreds of protesters have clashed with police outside a defence forum leading to arrests and injuries, with the group's leader crashing a press conference.
Ship set to return after elderly woman dies on cruise
A full investigation is set to be launched as a cruise ship returns to port after an 80-year-old passenger died alone while hiking on a remote tropical island.
Shares drop to six-week low as RBA leaves rates on hold
The local bourse fell 0.9 per cent to close at its lowest level since September 26 after the Reserve Bank suggested it might not adjust rates for some time.
The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts
The rising cost of new homes and services such as takeaway meals were key to the Reserve Bank's inflation miss in September and could rule out future rate cuts.
Roblox escapes under-16s social media ban for now
The list of sites captured under Australia's social media ban for under-16s has been expanded, but a popular gaming platform remains exempt.
Power deal inked to secure smelter’s short-term future
A 12-month power deal has guaranteed the short-term future of a 70-year-old aluminium smelter than employs more than 500 people.
High-stakes meetings to thrash out Liberal energy plan
The Liberals and Nationals are a step closer to formalising their approach to energy and climate policy, with a series of crucial meetings scheduled.
Largest smelter could close in ‘national interest’ blow
Rising energy costs could force Australia's largest aluminium smelter to shut, but leaders have promised to do everything possible to keep it going.
Tough decisions on closures to help Bega’s bottom line
The closure of a cheese factory in Victoria and a peanut business in Queensland at a cost of 450 jobs will help Bega Cheese boost its earnings.
PM tight-lipped on talks with China over flare incident
Anthony Albanese insists there is still friendship between Australia and China despite an "incident of concern" between both nations' militaries.
Time running out for ‘irreplaceable’ $95b reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an ecological and economic jewel, but a growing body of research shows it will be lost without swift and decisive action.
Massive fine for home loan compliance failures
Defunct home lender RAMS has been fined $20 million by the Federal Court after admitting to widespread misconduct over a four-year period.
Construction code delays risk pulling the plug on EVs
New homes will not need to be ready to charge electric vehicles after a freeze on the construction code, which some say will stall progress.
Supercheap Auto owner moves quickly to name new CEO
Super Retail Group has promoted the leader of its BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing) chain to lead its overall business after its last CEO was fired.
From gigabits to terabits: fibre to fire up downloads
A fibre optic internet backbone will deliver internet speeds up to six times faster as well as a multi-billion-dollar boost to Australia's economy by 2040.
Australia’s great timing in mega-deal with Donald Trump
Australia's critical minerals deal could be a boon for local miners but the timing is also to US President Donald Trump's advantage as he tangles with China.
Refurb for Adairs as homewares retailer reads the room
Homewares and furnishings retailer Adairs is pulling back from a deep discounting model as it plans to unveil a more "aspirational" refresh.
America first, but not America only: Sinodinos says
Winning the strategic contest in the Pacific requires Canberra to sharpen its focus and broaden its circle of friends, a foreign policy expert says.
Super Retail chair survives protest vote after scandal
Super Retail enjoyed 4.5 per cent financial year-to-date sales growth but its AGM was focused on the board's decision to sack chief executive Anthony Hegarty.
Profits up in calmer weather for insurance group IAG
The group that owns some of Australia's biggest insurance brands says profits have been strong so far in 2025/26, but is mindful conditions can change quickly.
Mining giant flags more jobs at risk due to coal taxes
One of the world's biggest mining companies has hit out against Commonwealth and state taxes, arguing they must be competitive enough to attract investment.
Pole position: contentious EV charging plan to go ahead
Power providers in one state will be allowed to install electric vehicle chargers on their power poles despite opposition to the proposal.
‘Clearly not too busy’: Rebel lashed in film lawsuit
Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has been criticised for allegedly continuing to make public statements about an actress who is suing her for defamation.
Governor takes aim at tax barrier to economic mobility
The Reserve Bank has set its sights on one tax it says keeps owners of big homes from downsizing and people from relocating for better jobs and pay.
Monash IVF strips former execs of bonuses after mix-ups
Two former top executives at Monash IVF will not receive bonuses after two mixed up embryo transfers damaged the company's reputation.
Ley reveals tax cuts, backflips on unpopular policies
The coalition has outlined priorities it will take to the next election, with leader Sussan Ley attempting to win back voters after a stinging defeat.
Best mates: White House meeting firms PM-Trump ties
The prime minister's long-awaited meeting with the US president has gone off almost without a hitch, a former ambassador says.
Ugly protest scenes spark pleas to ensure city safety
Tourism operators and businesses are demanding action to ensure locals and out-of-towners are not put off travelling to a major capital.
Jeweller accused of ringing up counterfeit luxury bling
A man faces years in jail for allegedly trying to sell counterfeit copies of high-end jewellery such as Cartier at inflated prices totalling more than $100,000.
Bank admits ‘mistake’ over worker who lost job to AI
A woman who trained an AI chatbot that took her job has quizzed executives at Australia's biggest bank about how they will stop such a thing happening again.