Coal power lifeline risks unreliability, bill shock
The Sunshine State's coal-fired power stations are set to operate longer in a move some critics worry risks unreliability and higher bills.
Economy, Business and Finance
Critical minerals talk heats up before PM’s US visit
Australia is keen to lock in a critical minerals deal with the US ahead of Anthony Albanese's talks with Donald Trump and fears of China's market dominance.
Controversial gas project extension sparks legal action
Landmark legal challenges have been launched after the Commonwealth's controversial decision to green light a 40-year gas hub extension near ancient rock art.
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
Crucial economic data in coming weeks could determine when mortgage holders can expect more interest rate relief, the Reserve Bank board says.
Parcel-packing electric trikes to roll out by Christmas
Australia's largest electric fleet is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of three-wheeled vehicles capable of carrying more parcels.
Australian shares nudge record before edging lower
Gold and Bitcoin have reset their record highs and Australia's share market could do the same this week as investors position for a bullish fourth quarter.
Japanese stocks soar four per cent, gold hits record
Japan's Nikkei index has soared past the 47,000 level for the first time and gold climbed to a record peak above $US3,900.
Australian shares edge lower in subdued start to week
Strong commodity prices have counterbalanced other losses in a sluggish start to the week, which is set to be a quiet one for macroeconomic events and data.
Overheated share markets may risk financial meltdown
Australia's central bank warns overpriced stock markets, cyber threats and weakness in China threatens the nation's financial stability.
Libs nuclear bond solidifies as leader stamps authority
The opposition leader has issued a directive to her front bench to respect their colleagues' portfolios as she pushes her team to be more proactive on policy.
Networks join forces to create $416m media monolith
A $416 million merger between the owner of Australia's most popular TV network and the country's biggest radio broadcaster has ignited their share prices.
Rock art safeguards weakened despite gas hub’s harms
The federal environment minister thinks the North West Shelf gas project is damaging ancient rock art, despite opting for weaker emissions restrictions.
Banned by AI bots: fresh call for social media referee
Artificial intelligence software is incorrectly banning social media accounts but without an ombudsman, many struggle to reclaim their profiles.
Sad day as refinery’s closure to hit jobs and community
Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs as alumina giant Alcoa permanently shuts a 60-year-old refinery that served as a cornerstone of the community.
China to halt BHP iron ore cargoes during price talks
China's state-run iron ore buyer has told the country's steelmakers and traders to temporarily halt purchases of all new BHP cargoes.
Cup Day rate cut in doubt as RBA nears final straight
The odds are lengthening on an interest rate cut on Melbourne Cup Day, as the Reserve Bank adopts a hawkish tone and inflation steps up the pace.
Low rates, supply squeeze create home price rise mayhem
The great Australian dream of property ownership continues to resemble a nightmare for many buyers as prices surge and the supply of homes dwindles.
Judge rejects Diddy bid to toss prostitution conviction
Sean Combs awaits sentencing within days after a judge rejected the hip-hop mogul's bid to overturn his conviction on felony charges related to prostitution.
Life-changing or dark day: jury out on deposit scheme
An expanded government scheme to help first-home buyers clear the deposit hurdle could pour more fuel on the red-hot property market, housing experts warn.
BHP cops $5b value hit on talk of China trade blockade
Reports China is halting iron ore shipments from BHP have weighed on the world's biggest miner, but experts say any stoush over prices should be short-lived.
Construction ‘thugs’ on notice at powerful union probe
A stark warning has been issued to militant union officials, labelled "thugs" as a powerful probe into the construction sector gets under way.
Spending rebound staggers as Aussies kick booze, smokes
Strong growth in household spending earlier this year is unlikely to be matched, which could ease Reserve Bank fears of a return of inflation pressures.
How AI will be used to help neighbours find lost dogs
Internet-connected doorbell cameras will be loaded with artificial intelligence software and used to identify lost pets, with the owners' permission.
Aussie pharma giant sees no pain from big Trump tariffs
The Australian government and pharmaceutical exporters are scrambling to determine whether they will be impacted by Donald Trump's latest tariff bombshell.
Australia to cop deeper impact from new US meds tariffs
The US plan to slap new tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs will likely have a chilling effect on Australia's pharmaceutical export sector, a think tank says.
Court says Clive not a foreign investor and must pay up
Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer has been ordered to pay more than $13 million after an international tribunal dismissed claims he was a foreign investor.
Interest rate decision to dominate economic agenda
Mortgage holders are unlikely to get a leg up from the Reserve Bank this week, with markets and analysts predicting the cash rate to remain on hold on Tuesday.
Australia’s luck running out despite budget bright spot
Australia's budget deficit for last financial year ended up being narrower than expected but younger workers will still be on the hook for a decade of red ink.
‘Unacceptable’: second triple-zero Optus outage slammed
A second Optus triple-zero outage in as many weeks has raised the ire of a premier as calls mount for the government to empower regulators rather than telcos.
Rate cut run may be over as inflation raises concerns
Hopes for more rate cuts are fading after the Reserve Bank of Australia took a hawkish turn as it held interest rates steady in a widely-expected move.
Aussie researchers look to space to help on earth
Emergency services, agricultural projects and defence operations are expected to benefit from eyes in the sky provided by Australian space innovations.