Government ‘ignored’ home builders’ warning: opposition
Victoria's housing minister was briefed about reducing the risk to construction customers months ahead of the Porter Davis collapse, the state opposition says.
Economy, Business and Finance
Boosting Solomons ties ‘crucial’ for Pacific prosperity
Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres has used a speech at a business forum to outline the strengths of Australia's economic relationship with the Solomon Islands.
Australia needs to attract $400bn for energy investment
There are concerns the federal government's decarbonisation policies won't deliver enough to be consistent with world ambitions to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Jail for promoter promising high returns to pensioners
An investment promoter on the Gold Coast has been jailed for a scheme involving cold-calling pensioners and other victims with promises of 20 per cent returns.
Australian shares move higher, hit two-month high
The local share market at lunchtime was at its highest level since February 17 and on pace for its 10th green session out of the past 12.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
house building
manufacturing and engineering
New builder to complete hundreds of Porter Davis homes
Nostra Property Group will complete up to 375 of the houses left in limbo after home builder Porter Davis collapsed, liquidators Grant Thornton has confirmed.
Porter Davis owners stuck in never ending nightmare
Families impacted by the collapse of builder Porter Davis have staged a protest calling for state and federal governments to intervene to help them.
Qld seeks national policy as it weighs school phone ban
As Queensland's education minister meets with her federal counterpart, there are signs the state could agree to ban mobile phones at schools.
‘Inhumane’ debt collection of welfare overpayments ends
Welfare recipients owing debts will no longer be pursued by third-party debt collectors, with the process to be handled by the department in charge of payments.
Methane worry for Qld river ‘bubbling like a broth’
Environmental activists hold concerns for a Queensland river and surrounding areas after gathering footage showing methane bubbling close to a local weir.
Electric car changes needed to stop ‘going in reverse’
Policy changes in the United States and Europe will make it harder to buy a petrol or diesel vehicle – a move lobby groups say should be mirrored in Australia.
Watchdog urged to step in on so-called ‘ocean plastic’
There's growing disquiet about the rise of new products claiming to be made using "ocean plastic" or "ocean bound plastic" that's actually come from the land.
Farmers come a cropper as mice keep on multiplying
Mice numbers are on the rise nationally, with swarms of the rodents spotted in northern NSW, sparking a warning for farmers to remain vigilant.
Australian shares climb after Easter trading break
The local share market has ended Tuesday on a high, turning around losses suffered ahead of the Easter break when the bourse snapped eight days of gains.
Cautious optimism as Aust-China trade dispute thaws
Australia is hopeful that resolving a trade dispute with China over barley will pave the way for the removal of trade barriers for other products such as wine.
Mayors and councillors call for electric car change
Local government figures are urging the federal government to change Australia's electric vehicle policies to improve access to zero-emission cars.
Australia ‘not immune’ from global economic malaise
Despite a downbeat economic forecast, Australia should weather the worst of a weak international outlook due to low unemployment and high commodity prices.
Gas tax changes, super breaks on budget repair agenda
The treasurer has ruled out tinkering with family tax benefits when he hands down his second budget in May, but he could have gas producers in his sights.
Treasurer defends phase out of low income tax relief
A tax offset offered to low and middle income earners over the last three years is being axed, with the Albanese government saying it is no longer affordable.
Rental crisis hitting essential workers hardest: report
Workers in the hospitality, health care, postal and freight sectors are facing serious financial stress to keep up with rising rents, a new report has found.
Australian share market resurrects after Easter break
The Australian share market was higher at noon on Tuesday after turning around losses ahead of the Easter break, when the bourse snapped eight days of gains.
Renewable projects promise ‘cheaper, cleaner’ energy
An investment boost in Australia's renewable energy sector has resulted from the federal government's net-zero plan, but rising power prices still loom.
Footprint find in Chinese restaurant proves dino-mite
An eagle-eyed diner has uncovered prehistoric dinosaur footprints at a restaurant in China.
Aussies count coins and avoid rain with Easter at home
Cost-of-living pressures and wet weather are disrupting Easter plans for more than half of Australians, with the majority staying home this holiday period.
Collapsed east coast builder’s debt soars past $60m
Collapsed construction group PBS Building's debts have soared beyond $60m as administrators are granted a special court extension.
Small Halls folk tour nears its destination
A roaming folk festival is nearing its end after lighting up small town halls across Victoria, taking a breath before the tour turns to Western Australia.
Near-finished Porter Davis homes will be completed
Porter Davis liquidators have been working to find solutions for staff and clients since the home building company collapsed a week ago.
Premier backs call to not bail out beleaguered builder
Authorities are probing whether one of Australia's largest home builders illegally took deposits from customers before securing their insurance policies.
Robots and drones could replace humans in emergencies
New technology developed in Australia could see more drones and robots deployed into emergency situations to save lives.
Inland Rail project build blows out to $31.4 billion
An independent review into the Inland Rail project has revealed it faces serious problems, but the Albanese government is pushing ahead.
Pilot killed in rural Queensland helicopter crash
The death of a 65-year-old pilot west of Rockhampton comes two days after a couple and their unborn child were killed in a light plane crash near Proserpine.