Power station fined for law breach after explosion
A Queensland coal power station was operating without required regulatory approval when it was taken out by an explosion, authorities say.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australia remains wishlist for Amazon drone deliveries
The online retail giant is ramping up its drone delivery program but plans to fly and land goods in Aussie backyards is still a way off.
Hancock lawyers attack rivals in high-stakes trial
Gina Rinehart's lawyers have attacked two rival mining dynasties' billion-dollar claims for iron ore riches in closing arguments at a high-stakes legal battle.
Big backyards could hold key to solve housing crisis
The humble granny flat could help deliver much-needed housing supply as shortages continue to push rents skyward.
Town, 1200 workers reeling with major mine set to close
About 1200 workers are in limbo and a Queensland town is reeling after Glencore announced one of the world's biggest copper mines would close in 2025.
‘Shock, after shock’ poses inflation risk: RBA boss
The global economic shocks just keep coming and Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock is concerned about the impact on the outlook for inflation.
BHP reports strong copper production in first quarter
The Big Australian says it is on track to meet full-year production guidance across all assets and the integration of OZ Minerals' mines has gone well.
‘Low tolerance’ for slower return to target: RBA
Australia could be galloping towards a Melbourne Cup interest rate rise if progress on inflation proves too slow and the labour market too resilient.
Australia’s biggest car brand revs up electric concepts
A futuristic electric sports car and SUV will be unveiled by Toyota next week in a move that could signal a change for the brand.
Hefty fines and possible jail under new e-scooter laws
On-the-spot fines are out and court dates are in under proposed new laws targeting careless e-scooter and personal mobility device users in Queensland.
‘Totally unacceptable’: PwC boss sorry for tax scandal
The new head of PwC Australia has apologised at a Senate hearing for the firm's role in passing on confidential Treasury information to private sector clients.
Better protection for Australians’ online crypto assets
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled a proposal for legislation to better protect Australians using digital currencies.
Crypto regulation proposal a ‘critical milestone’
Australian cryptocurrency exchanges are mostly welcoming a proposal to subject them to the same licensing rules as traditional financial institutions.
Big cities have room for 655,000 extra granny flats
The humble granny flat could help deliver much-needed housing supply as shortages continue to push rents skyward.
Business pressures ease in promising sign for inflation
The uptick in cost and price pressures plaguing businesses looks to have been temporary in a promising sign for the inflation outlook.
Regenerative farming ‘growing in momentum’
A national soils summit in country NSW has been told that regenerative agriculture is becoming more mainstream.
IKEA assembles low-emission hydrogen vehicle fleet
Swedish furniture giant IKEA is deploying both hydrogen and electric trucks in its operations in a bid to cut vehicle emissions.
Bank boss tips living costs to ease, defends big profit
Most customers of Australia's biggest bank are well positioned despite a cost of living crisis, its chief says after the company booked a $10.2 billion profit.
Hopes monthly fee will sell business on electric fleets
Plans to offer charging stations for a monthly fee and without installation costs is hoped to put thousands more electric vehicles on Australian roads.
Australian shares rise again, close at three-week high
The ASX200 has finished up 0.7 per cent in its fifth straight day of gains amid a pullback in US bond yields and reports of new stimulus measures from Beijing.
Investor group calls for action over Whitehaven bonuses
Bell Rock Capital Management is calling on investors to vote down bonuses for Whitehaven management, after accusing its executives of destroying share prices.
Tesla fined more than $155,000 for button battery risks
Australia's most popular electric car brand has paid a record penalty for failing to meet button battery standards in some of its products.
Artificial intelligence to be trialled in Qld schools
Students in Queensland schools will trial new technology to help reduce teacher workloads, with education programs run by artificial intelligence algorithms.
Food delivery firm let poorly trained riders on streets
A food delivery service operating in four cities has been fined for not properly training hundreds of riders, leading to a warning for other app-based firms.
Driving the hassle out of donating goods to charity
The Red Cross is hoping for record-breaking donations later this month with Uber picking up clothes for free in a bid to take the hassle out of giving.
Consumers feeling better about personal finances
Consumers have shaken off some of their negativity as the strong jobs market and wage gains take some of the sting out of inflation and interest rate hikes.
New desalination plant for Qld in state’s water plan
A new desalination plant has been endorsed by the Queensland government as part of a 30-year water security plan.
Three-quarters of Aussie coal-mining jobs to go by 2050
Coal communities will need a transition plan that extends beyond the pit, with Queensland tagged as one of the hardest hit regions as the world's mines close.
Australian firms report easing cost pressures
The uptick in cost and price pressures plaguing businesses looks to have been temporary in a promising sign for the inflation outlook.
Desal plant to bolster water supplies in 30-year plan
A new desalination plant has been endorsed by the Queensland government as part of a 30-year water security plan.
Why electric vehicles get better tech than petrol peers
Australians purchasing electric cars are being rewarded with higher-grade entertainment technology featuring as standard in their vehicles.