Solar battery faces compulsory recall after house fires
Australia's consumer watchdog is weighing up whether to issue a compulsory recall for an LG solar battery after 13 fires, including one that destroyed a house.
Economy, Business and Finance
agriculture
economy, business and finance
livestock farming
transport
waterway and maritime transport
Live export ship blocked from sailing to Israel
The federal government has rejected an application to send a stranded live export ship with thousands of sheep and cattle on board back to the Middle East.
Concerns stranded livestock could still go to Israel
Animal activists are concerned an exporter may re-apply to ship thousands of stranded sheep and cattle to the Middle East after an earlier attempt failed.
‘Nothing’s in, nothing’s out’: RBA keeps options open
The Reserve Bank kept interest rates on hold this month but needs to be convinced it's done enough on inflation before considering cuts to the key cash rate.
Choice at the heart of new fuel standards for motorists
Giving motorists more options for cheaper cars is at the heart of proposed fuel efficiency standards, the federal government says.
‘We’ll see’: Albanese throws down gauntlet on tax cuts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is putting pressure on the coalition to back Labor's stage 3 tax cut changes, as federal parliament returns for the new year.
Dutton signals support for Labor’s changes to tax cuts
Australians in need of greater assistance are soon expected to get some relief, with signs the coalition is unlikely to oppose reworked tax cuts.
Aust shares surge after big tech beats boost sentiment
The domestic bourse has hit a fresh all-time high after Amazon, Meta, and Apple all exceeded earnings expectations, raising investor risk appetite.
Meta reveals plans to launch AI services in Australia
The firm behind Facebook has bold ambitions for artificial intelligence, with Mark Zuckerberg announcing plans to create the world's most popular AI services.
Home lending sinks but a stronger 2024 on the horizon
New home loan activity has dipped after a promising few months but improving economic conditions should pave the way for a better 2024.
Store shelves will replenish as port dispute resolves
With DP World's bargaining dispute at an end, deliveries and supermarket stock could soon return to normal but one expert warns this could be short lived.
Aust shares close at record high after inflation data
The ASX200 has closed at a new record high, boosted by cooler-than-expected inflation data that raises the chances of quicker rate hikes.
Home prices climb and rate cuts could fuel more growth
The Australian market is stuck between the competing forces of poor affordability and a supply demand mismatch.
Prices ease but insurance and housing are still biting
Consumer price growth is coming off the boil but some key essential goods and services are still painfully elevated.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Summer charging queues down despite rise in EV sales
Public electric vehicle charging soared by 150 per cent during the holiday period, providers say, but better etiquette and greater options kept queues down.
Tax changes spark calls for complete system redesign
Half of the nation's high-income earners back Labor's proposed tax changes as analysis shows most of the benefits will still flow to the rich.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
Bill shock to ease as cost of power falls, solar shines
Consumers are set to benefit as the national electricity grid uses less coal and gas-fired electricity and the share of renewable energy hits a record.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Car manufacturers pull up short on emission estimates
Automakers are still failing to accurately report their greenhouse gas emissions, a new analysis warns, and some brands fall well short of the target.
After $500m spend, IGO to mothball Cosmos nickel mine
IGO says it will place the under-developed Cosmos nickel mine it purchased just two years ago into care and maintenance mode, with layoffs expected.
Alarm sounded over long-term effects of tax cuts
Concerns are being raised new tax cuts will put a dent in the pocket of Australians in the long-term as the issue of bracket creep remains.
Competition and rivalry found to force lower airfares
A little competition goes a long way in bringing down airfares, based on fresh research from a federal task force.
Aust shares gain again, flirting with new all-time high
The local share market was up 0.6 per cent at midday, and had moved less than three points away from eclipsing its previous record high set back in mid-2021.
Godfreys enters administration, with 54 stores to close
Voluntary administrators expect 171 Godfreys staff in Australia will be made redundant as the company's store count is reduced by more than a third.
Local shares gain again but don’t crack all-time high
For a second time this month, the local share market came close to eclipsing its record high set back in mid-2021 but most of its gains faded in the afternoon.
Floods after back-to-back cyclones damage iconic reef
Scientists say they are concerned about the impact back-to-back cyclones in north Queensland have had on the Great Barrier Reef.
Treasurer ‘not considering’ changes to negative gearing
The treasurer has poured cold water on suggestions Labor will go further with tax reform and target negative gearing after rejigging stage three tax cuts.
South Australia nabs top spot in state economic ranking
Australian states are all facing economic headwinds but some are more resilient than others, with South Australia performing better than the rest.
Albanese ‘hopeful’ for Senate support in tax cut change
The prime minister is standing by his changes to stage three tax cuts, remaining confident parliament will support the amended plans.
Changing of the guard at Future Fund puts Combet at top
Former ACTU leader and Labor minister Greg Combet is the new chair of Australia's sovereign wealth fund, replacing Liberal stalwart Peter Costello.
Days of gains for Australian shares as miners dig deep
The Australian share market has climbed half a per cent as surging mining companies helped the index to its fifth successive day of gains.