Australia joins oil crisis talks ahead of key UN vote
Australia has joined nations for talks about a vital oil corridor, as the UN Security Council considers whether "defensive" action can be taken against Iran.
Economy, Business and Finance
Caps on gas, coal costs on the cards if prices soar
Australia is open to a cap on gas and coal prices if they spike due to the widening conflict in the Middle East, the Albanese government says.
Solemn services and fish frenzies used to mark Easter
As punters marked Good Friday by rushing to the markets to secure fresh fish and seafood, some parishioners paid respect to the day's biblical origins.
Booze bans worry Queensland hoteliers ahead of Olympics
A state's hotel association says "outdated" Good Friday pub trading laws must be changed ahead of the 2032 Games or the government risks an Olympic hangover.
Bargain-hungry public warned of long tail to fuel shock
Motorists are getting access to better, real-time information about changing fuel prices as one state launches a crackdown on service stations.
Earthquake rumbles outback, waking Uluru visitors
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake has jolted residents awake in the outback, swinging light fittings and rattling windows.
‘More people, more books’: tech to end audiobook debate
The question of whether audiobooks count as reading is about to get more complicated thanks to a feature from a major tech firm.
Consumer spending and confidence in the spotlight
Analysts and governments will pore over latest economic data this week for more insight into the devastating impact of soaring fuel prices on the nation.
Passport to funds: why one bank is changing ID rules
A major Australian bank will no longer require more than one document to turn you into a customer by tapping into hidden technology.
‘Better world’: inside Australia’s pact with AI giant
A Silicon Valley tech boss has warned of the consequences should AI fall into the wrong hands as he signed an agreement with Australia on related safety.
‘They’re everywhere’: fresh rural mouse plague warning
Farmers are being overrun by mice in some rural areas, with scientists warning the rodents could cause havoc for the agricultural sector.
Long, bumpy road ahead for fuel crisis, PM warns nation
Australians are being warned the fuel crisis could worsen as Anthony Albanese uses a national address to urge motorists to think of others when filling up.
Major capital home prices slip in two-speed market
Australia's housing market is diverging as the biggest capitals go backwards while growth accelerates in mid-tier cities.
Fuel, fertiliser shortages could deliver barren harvest
After a record-breaking year, agricultural businesses may need to change their approach to succeed amid worldwide supply issues.
Shares surge on hopes of US Iran exit but risks remain
Hopes of de-escalation in the Middle East war have reinvigorated investor sentiment and boosted markets, but details from the US administration have been scant.
‘Dog’s breakfast’: commuter fears over free transport
Regional residents are concerned temporary free public transport to offset fuel prices in one state will make finding a seat harder than ever.
Cafes, hotels take swipe at $1.6b consumer card fee win
The RBA has binned surcharge fees on debit and credit card transactions, which it says will save punters $1.6 billion - if businesses pass on the savings.
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
Wage increases have not been driving recent inflation pressures and low-paid workers deserve a real pay rise, the government says.
Oil exec handed largest ever fine over contract rigging
A court has fined an oil company $5 million and its chairman $1 million for cartel conduct in a case brought by the competition watchdog.
Shock jock claims ‘irreparable harm’ in contract fight
Controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands claims his termination by his former employer was invalid and is causing irreversible harm that worsens every day.
Fuel crisis drives Aussies to rethink how they travel
Australians are adapting to rising fuel prices by changing their transport habits, with some ditching their cars even if it adds hours to their commute.
Aussie shares snap losing streak but crude risks weigh
The local bourse has had its first positive week since February, but traders remain cautious with the US and Iran still at odds over a potential ceasefire.
CBA ups inflation prediction as supply chains strain
Australia is staring down the barrel of inflation above five per cent as a result of the Iran oil supply shock, economists from the Commonwealth Bank warn.
Australia to be ‘overprepared’ for ongoing fuel woes
Australians are being urged to use common sense instead of stockpiling petrol and diesel as the government proposes new powers to secure supplies.
Monumental Messa da Requiem opens Glasshouse Theatre
After a life-changing experience seeing Verdi's Messa da Requiem, a Queenslander has found herself on stage for the first big production at Glasshouse Theatre.
Truck tax cut backed as fuel-rationing threat looms
Business groups have urged the government to cut the road-user charge for trucks, but not the fuel excise for all motorists.
Free rides for some as petrol pump pain continues
Free public transport will be offered across two states to offset petrol price pain and soaring demand amid the global oil crisis.
Embattled motorists win bowser relief as taxes slashed
The government has moved to cut taxes on petrol and diesel, as the Middle East war sends global oil prices through the roof.
Tree-changers seeking smaller communities for new lives
City-dwellers are increasingly moving to smaller communities rather than regional cities to escape housing and transport costs, a report has found.
WTO talks end in deadlock after Brazil blocks deal
In a "major setback for global trade", the World Trade Organization has failed to secure a collective decision on e-commerce during talks in Cameroon.
Australia to have another ‘crack’ at Indian trade deal
Australia will go back to the drawing board with India on expanding its trade agreement, after finalising a free trade deal with the European Union.