Telcos to block phones that don’t link to triple zero
The 3G network switch-off will begin on Monday, with a new law enforcing the telcos to disconnect phones that cannot call the emergency line on 4G.
Economy, Business and Finance
Brazil seals compensation deal with BHP over dam
Brazil has reached a compensation settlement with BHP and others over a 2015 dam collapse which caused a giant mudslide killing 19 people.
Australia urged not to pull the plug on hybrid tax cuts
Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles are accelerating in Australia as a tax deadline approaches, but some automotive groups say an extension is needed.
US approves Australian Ioneer’s Nevada lithium mine
The Biden administration has given the nod to an Australian lithium mine in Nevada despite concerns for a rare flower at the site.
Mideast war not behind Aussie inflation: opposition
Unlike Australia, inflation and interest rates are falling in the UK, the US, Canada and New Zealand despite conflict in the Middle East, the opposition says.
Qantas hands out $1000 bonuses to 27,000 workers
Qantas is hoping to win over workers as some of its engineers take industrial action over pay.
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Insurer’s disaster claims running well under budget
Insurer IAG had relatively fewer natural peril claims in the first quarter of 2024/25, but CEO Nick Hawkins says everyone realises how quickly that can change.
Banks at odds over easing lending restrictions
Easing lending requirements so more first homebuyers can get a mortgage has received mixed reviews, with warnings more borrowers would face crippling debt.
economy, business and finance
energy resources
international (foreign) trade
investments
metal and mineral
mining
natural resources
politics
trade policy
UAE cash for minerals, but China dominance sparks angst
A free trade deal between Australia and the United Arab Emirates provides a pathway for significant investment in critical minerals and mining.
Long wait for refunds of ‘gobsmacking’ unlawful fees
Everything from fine payments to marriage certificates have been hit with wrongful merchant surcharges in NSW over eight years.
Coles, Woolies call price check on ACCC discount claim
Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths will fight the consumer watchdog over accusations of dodgy "price drop" campaigns.
Read null about it: privacy changes could bury news
Changes to Australian privacy laws could open an avenue for powerful people to shut down news coverage, a group has told a Senate inquiry.
‘Delay-mongers’: climate boss lashes nuclear supporters
Nuclear proponents are simply delaying the move towards clean and cheap energy as Australia's environment runs out of time, a climate leader says.
Australian shares tumble 1.7 pct as US bond yields rise
Every sector of the ASX has lost ground as Australian shares tumbled in their worst collective daily loss since early September.
Labour shortages still ‘number one’ concern: RBA
Firms are struggling to retain workers as activity from mining, infrastructure projects and even the 2032 Brisbane Olympics keeps demand for labour high.
coal
economy, business and finance
election
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
natural gas
nuclear power
politics
voting
Grey area: questions over Sunshine State’s green future
Queensland could revert to coal central as calls grow for a power plan from the energised LNP, days out from voters heading to the polls in the Sunshine State.
Qantas says sorry as sacked staff seek $200m justice
Qantas has apologised for its unlawful pandemic retrenching of 1700 workers as the transport union pursues the airline for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Big business blueprint to nail down housing crisis fix
Quicker approvals and slashing red tape are some of the key measures the business lobby has put forward to improve housing affordability and accessibility.
Freeze on home efficiency standard cops political heat
A coalition plan that would stop changes to energy efficiency standards for buildings over a decade has been criticised for stopping climate change action.
Reserve Bank’s views on hot jobs market to be canvassed
A speech by the Reserve Bank of Australia's deputy governor will draw careful scrutiny amid hopes a long-awaited rates cut could be brought forward.
Building bans and buybacks floated for flood zones
A federal investigation into flood insurance failures urges an end to building in high-risk areas and government intervention to stop skyrocketing premiums.
Solar panel pioneer in the spotlight at tech awards
Batteries made from waste, earthquake-proof buildings and solar panel technology that keeps lights on around the world have been recognised at an awards gala.
Forget electric and focus on hybrid utes, inquiry hears
Australia is not ready to make a full switch to electric vehicles, an inquiry has heard, as the technology cannot accommodate farmers and tradespeople.
It’s not you: banking outages are taking longer to fix
Digital payment services are under increasing pressure as Aussies ditch cash and they are mostly rising to the task, a Reserve Bank report has found.
Supermarkets blamed most for cost-of-living woes
A new report reveals Australians lay the blame for the rising cost of living at the feet of supermarkets.
Australian shares march back from all-time high
The ASX200 has dropped 0.4 per cent, with every sector except financials losing ground.
construction and property
crime, law and justice
employee
employer
organized crime
politics
unions
work relations
Bulk of CFMEU probe evidence relates to coercion
Dozens of incidents within the embattled CFMEU are being investigated after it was placed into administration following criminal allegations.
air transport
business (general)
business enterprises
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
Qantas braces against carbon neutral greenwash claim
Australia's biggest airline has been referred to the consumer watchdog amid accusations it is misleading passengers about its green credentials.
CBA chair says ethical principles will govern AI use
Commonwealth Bank has the "best, most capable people" working on the use of artificial intelligence in its business, chairman Paul O'Malley says.
Billions poured into defence precinct, creating jobs
Billions of dollars will be poured into a new defence precinct in WA, which is being touted as a rival to the mining industry for jobs and economic growth.