Telcos urge 205,000 Aussies to upgrade before 3G shuts
There are 205,000 mobile phones that won't connect to triple-zero after the 3G network closes, as telcos urge customers to check their devices and upgrade.
Economy, Business and Finance
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Anzac Day trade ban to end ‘creeping commercialisation’
NSW is extending its Anzac Day trading bans to cover the full day, but retailers say the move is out of step with what staff and shoppers want.
Greens’ essential goods cap ‘may lead to shortages’
A Queensland Greens plan to cap prices for essential groceries is set to save households cash at the checkout but an expert has warned it may lead to shortages.
Greens seek to cap cost of essential grocery items
The cost of 30 essential goods would be capped and linked to wage growth under a policy put forward by the Queensland Greens.
Work begins to power up northern mineral riches
A power line stretching more than 800km will connect a mineral-rich northern area to the national electricity grid in a "transformative" project for the region.
Pacific banking bolstered with federal $6 million boost
Banking services in Pacific nations will be strengthened with $6.3 million from the federal government, as Australian financial services are urged to stay.
Family claims $1.4m loan ‘blighted’ 89yo woman’s life
Pepper Money has been sued over an "unjust" $1.4 million home loan which allegedly threw an elderly woman and her family into financial and emotional distress.
ANZ-Suncorp deal gets final stamp of approval
ANZ's multi-billion acquisition of Suncorp's banking arm and its 1.2 million customers will be completed within weeks.
Pacific banks to be boosted with federal funding
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged Australian banks to stay in Pacific nations, with $6.3 million set aside to provide support to the finance sector in the area.
Energy and mining lead Australian stocks lower
The ASX200 fell 0.76 per cent during trading, with the energy and mining sectors the leading decliners on a drop in oil and iron prices.
Funding injection to help keep banks in Pacific
The federal government will inject millions into shoring up banking services in the Pacific, with the treasurer urging Australian banks to stay in the region.
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
adult education
business (general)
employment
further education
internet
online
professional - women general
safety of citizens
Women wanted for cybersecurity course, no men allowed
One of Australia's largest cybersecurity organisations is launching a training course just for women as research shows they make up only one in five workers.
Forum seeks fix for Pacific’s sinking banking services
The driving forces behind banking services cuts in the Pacific and how to prevent a mass exodus is being investigated at an inaugural forum in Brisbane.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Next stop … good public transport that actually works
Australia's suburbanites are too often relegated to a life of car-dependency that is polluting the climate and leaving streets more congested and less safe.
Pacific’s dwindling banking services in the spotlight
The first Pacific Banking Forum will investigate why banking services are dwindling in the region and consider how to ensure a sustainable financial system.
Aussie shares off to positive start for financial year
The ASX200 dipped slightly on Friday but finished the first week of the financial year in positive territory, with a 0.7 per cent gain.
Old matter, new purpose in quest for net-zero car build
From building steel to sawdust, students are exploring new ways to repurpose old materials in a partnership with electric automaker Polestar.
Renter relief finally hits with more cooling in sight
After months of fast-rising rents, momentum is starting to tip in favour of tenants as more homes become available.
Young people sadder, lonelier since social media onset
Young Australians report worsening mental health since some of the most popular social media platforms entered their lives.
Cute cuddles canned as Koalas can’t bear the stress
A Brisbane wildlife sanctuary has become Australia's latest tourist destination to ban "stressful" koala cuddles after feedback from visitors.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Aussie shares rise for first time in new financial year
The ASX200 finished up 0.3 per cent after supportive comments by US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell and better-than-expected domestic retail sales data.
$1.5b data spend to simplify bank switching a ‘flop’
A banking industry-backed report says just 0.3 per cent of bank customers were actively using the data-sharing arrangements made possible by costly investments.
Energy leading Australian shares higher at midday
The ASX200 was up 0.3 per cent at midday following supportive comments by US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, with the energy sector up 1.3 per cent.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Struggling online bookseller Booktopia collapses
Online bookstore Booktopia has entered voluntary administration after being unable to line up additional financing to sustain its loss-making operations.
Sanctuary ends koala cuddling practice
A Brisbane wildlife sanctuary has ended koala cuddling encounters following feedback from international and domestic visitors.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.