Aussie winemakers are hoping to raise a glass to China
Australian grape and wine producers are optimistic that hefty tariffs will be scrapped on wine exported to China, after imposts on barley were removed.
Economy, Business and Finance
AGL Energy posts $1.26 billion loss after writedowns
AGL Energy suffered a $1.26 billion loss after writing down the value of its coal-fired power plants and its energy derivatives contracts.
Rinehart’s rift with dad over his lover heard at trial
Gina Rinehart's lawyers have argued Lang Hancock's corporate breaches before he died extinguish a competing mining dynasty's claim for a stake in her riches.
Spending worries leave interest rate hikes on the table
The task of returning inflation to target is going according to plan, but the head of the Reserve Bank says it could still be thrown off course.
Shop around if bank profits worry you: RBA boss
The head of the Reserve Bank has encouraged customers to make banks work harder for their money by shopping around.
Peaking cash rate likely pushing up home price: RBA
The perception that interest rates are at or close to their peak is likely spurring more home buyers to enter the market, helping to push up property prices.
Investor delight as Star casino gets $310m tax break
A decision to delay a tax hike on Sydney's biggest casino to ward off closure has raised questions about NSW's priorities amid a cost-of-living crisis.
RBA eyes ‘credible’ path to return inflation to target
The task of returning inflation to target is going according to plan, but the head of the Reserve Bank says it could still be thrown off course.
Realestate.com.au owner sees property market rebounding
REA Group says that the fundamentals of the property market are strong and buyer enquiries and house prices have both returned to growth.
Inflation fight not over but RBA’s confidence growing
The chances of bringing inflation down without dealing massive damage to the labour market are improving, says the head of the Reserve Bank.
Lingering price pressures plaguing businesses
Cost pressures continue to haunt businesses and are still flowing through to a higher cost of living for households.
Latham says tweet enhanced, not harmed MP’s reputation
Mark Latham has claimed an allegedly defamatory tweet describing graphic acts by Alex Greenwich enhanced rather than hurt the independent MP's reputation.
Huge fines on table as tax avoidance crackdown ramps up
Tax advisors and firms could face fines of more than $780 million if they help clients avoid paying tax as part of a Commonwealth push to stamp out misconduct.
Barney over barley continues despite China tariffs axe
The trade minister is calling for all barley producers to have Chinese market access with the largest exporters remaining blocked despite tariff removal.
Yindjibarndi tell of mine’s ‘devastation’ to country
The native title owners of the site of a large iron ore mine in the WA Pilbara have outlined their case for compensation for spiritual and economic loss.
Rhodes’ mining riches claim has fatal flaw, court told
Billionaire Gina Rinehart's lawyers have started their defence against claims by two prospectors for billion-dollar stakes in a lucrative iron ore project.
Motorists paying more for fuel as oil supplies tighten
Motorists are being urged to shop around to find the best deals with fuel prices rising as oil supply constraints collide with strong demand.
Mini to Porsche: more classic cars are turning electric
Australian automotive start-ups are working on ways to turn classic cars into electric vehicles, as demand for conversions spikes.
ANZ won’t let sun set on stalled $4.9b bank takeover
ANZ plans to appeal to a competition tribunal after the ACCC blocked its proposed $4.9 billion purchase of Suncorp's banking arm.
Protections urged for threatened forestry workers
NSW MPs have been told of several violent attacks and threats against workers as tensions rise about the logging of culturally significant forests.
Aussie barley ready for China brewers with tariffs axed
Growers have welcomed the Chinese government's decision to lift tariffs on Australian barley imports, which were effectively shut out of the key export market.
‘We are the glue’: rural women’s network marks 30 years
Women are the glue that holds rural communities together, something the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women's Network is celebrating in its 30th year.
WA Labor ‘still considering’ cultural heritage laws
A senior West Australian minister has refused to be drawn on whether the state government will dump its controversial Aboriginal cultural heritage laws.
Home prices to keep rising despite higher rates: REA
Property prices across Australia are predicted to increase by up to five per cent in 2023, with some capital cities forecast for an even higher growth rate.
Embattled operator Star fined for casino breaches
Casino operator Star Entertainment has pleaded guilty to 11 criminal charges and been fined $140,000 for illegally facilitating gambling.
Woolworths accused of underpaying staff $1m in leave
Woolworths underpaid more than $1 million in long service leave to 1235 former employees, Victoria's wage watchdog says.
Why more Australian women are commuting on two wheels
Women are closing the gap with their male electric scooter-riding counterparts in Australia with research showing they have different incentives.
Minister pledges to take the sting out of fire ants
Out of the pan and into the fire ants, Queensland's agriculture minister is adamant a battle to contain the invasive pests is being won.
Wrong trains figure a stuff up, not cover up: minister
A Queensland minister has sought to clear the air over a train contact announcement that led to claims the government was hiding a $2.4 billion cost blowout.
Australia’s answer to Silicon Valley are tech clusters
Top tech innovators are scattered through 96 "tech clusters", a report reveals, including four major hubs expected to create the jobs of tomorrow.
Borrowers spared further pain as RBA stays on hold
The Reserve Bank has kept the cash rate on hold for a second month in a move that has some experts speculating the hiking cycle might be over.