Few claims coming for Qld floods, as Katter wants dams
Insurers are yet to see a deluge of claims from the northwest Queensland floods, reflecting the predicament of under-insured farmers and producers.
Economy, Business and Finance
Livestock flood losses set to triple as cyclone looms
Graziers are bracing for more heavy stock losses from flooding that has left communities isolated as a potential tropical cyclone looms.
Cheaper houses have lift-off as guarantee takes effect
A five per cent deposit guarantee is helping first homebuyers into the market, but ensuring they pay more for the privilege.
Aussie stock market steady as miners run out of steam
Red-hot mining stocks have eased after a recent rally as other sectors catch up, helping the bourse to a modest advance by noon despite ongoing uncertainty.
Greenland opposition leader backs direct talks with US
The head of the opposition Naleraq party has urged direct talks between US officials and representatives of Greenland, without Danish involvement.
Flood-hit region braces for devastating cyclonic deluge
As a sodden region prepares for the arrival of a tropical cyclone, flood-ravaged graziers are bracing for the deluge to come as they count stock losses.
Mega miner merger would knock BHP off world No.1 perch
One of Australia's biggest commodity companies is considering a $300 billion takeover pitch to form the world's largest mining group.
Residents hunker down as cyclone heads for coast
Tropical Cyclone Koji has formed and is threatening to barrel through a region already reeling from heavy flooding.
US Supreme Court could rule on Trump tariffs next week
A US Supreme Court ruling in a major case testing the legality of President Donald Trump's global tariffs could be announced on Wednesday.
Tragedy as body found with fires burning out of control
A person has died as bushfires tear through a state, with authorities warning it is expected to take weeks to get them under control.
Hopes Black Friday could sustain spending growth
After a stronger than expected month for consumer spending, pre-Christmas sales could see that trend continue.
Cyclone leaves trail of damage as floods isolate towns
Residents of isolated communities might be cut off for months, with roads and water supplies damaged by heavy rain left behind by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.
Oasis tour tunes up economy but clouds rate cut hopes
Britpop giant Oasis and Black Friday bargains have helped bring Australia's economy back in tune, adding to the case against Reserve Bank rate cuts.
Australia Post rival shuts operations without warning
A Sydney-based delivery firm that promised to undercut Australia Post has abruptly stopped taking bookings, causing alarm for businesses.
Australian shares gain ground in mixed trading session
The ASX200 finished up half a per cent, with goldminers gaining as the metal surged to a new record, while insurance companies fell amid bushfires in Victoria.
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
A fresh survey of Australian consumer sentiment doesn't make for encouraging reading as the central bank weighs lifting the cash rate at its next meeting.
Aussie shares edge up with oil in focus after Venezuela
Raw materials and energy stocks are supporting the local bourse, but most other sectors are in the red as the shaky start to the new year continues.
Massive cattle deaths feared from Queensland flooding
Australia's biggest listed cattle group is trying to assess livestock deaths at three pastoral stations in northwest Queensland that were hit by flooding.
Global minimum tax deal update backed by 145 countries
A 15 per cent global minimum tax framework has been kept as countries approved an update that allows carve-outs for some US companies.
Novel car brands tipped to accelerate Aussie market
From Forthing to Farizon, consumers can expect plenty of fresh brand names in the local automotive market, with growth expected to almost double in a decade.
Aussie steelmaker tipped to rebuff fresh $13b takeover
Shares in Australia's biggest steelmaker soared to a 17-year high on a takeover bid but analysts suggest Kerry Stokes and his US partner need to up their offer.
Hybrids, SUVs and utes race away with 2025 car sales
Australian motorists are increasingly choosing fuel-efficient vehicles but that does not mean a move away from SUVs or utes.
Fears more sinkholes could appear near tunnel project
A large, gaping crater has opened at a suburban sports oval near major tunnel-boring works, sparking safety fears about whether another could emerge.
Space weather a growing risk for air traffic
Space weather is increasingly impacting aircraft electronics, and that means the recent grounding of dozens of flights may not be a one-off, researchers warn.
Aussie dollar set for lift but Trump coin toss remains
Global tailwinds and relative interest rates are supporting the Australian dollar but trade uncertainty means a cheap overseas holiday is anything but certain.
Early lung cancer checks reach 50,000 Australians
Figures have been released six months after a free lung cancer screening program was introduced, with 10 per cent of participants detected with the disease.
National home price hit a new record high in 2025
Home prices around the nation increased slightly in December to a new record high of $880,000 as Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth led the charge.
Ill-fated cruise ship refloated off Papua New Guinea
Safety agencies are assessing if a cruise ship that ran aground off PNG is seaworthy after it was refloated and its 80 passengers flown back to Australia.
Blow to Australian beef producers as China hikes tariff
Australia stands to lose more than $1 billion in exports despite a free trade agreement after China upped its tariff on beef imports from all nations.
Weaker housing market tipped as rate hike fears mount
House prices recorded strong gains in 2025 but fears of rate hikes look set to cool Australia's housing market in early 2026.
Boxing Day sales take off with bargain airfares
Shoppers are being urged to scrutinise Boxing Day bargain claims, while two major airlines have announced discounted fare sales.