Telco partnership opens AI-powered search to the masses
Artificial intelligence technology use could rise in Australia after a major telecommunications provider teamed with an AI-powered search engine.
Economy, Business and Finance
Maligned power station back online after explosions
One of a state's largest power stations is back online for the first time since April after it was forced to shut down following another explosion.
US tariffs on Australia ‘not what you do to a friend’
Australia has been urged to assertively lobby Donald Trump against a plan to hike tariffs on steel imports, as Labor aims to maintain a calm approach.
Housing set to grow from record high as rate cuts loom
The prospect of more interest rate cuts has pushed house prices to record highs and is expected to continue fuelling growth for the rest of the year.
Weak business investment underlines productivity battle
Encouraging productivity-boosting investment, such as infrastructure connecting regions with capital cities, is needed amid a slowdown in capital expenditure.
A ripper race to find Australia’s hardest-working dog
The trusting bond between a farmer and a canine is central to farm life, with a national competition set to find the nation's top dog.
Torres fund ignites crayfisherman’s export dreams
A groundbreaking Indigenous-led fund is giving First Nations businesses a vital boost with capital and crucial support.
More seats, cheaper fuel cut airfare costs for Aussies
Increased aviation routes and low fuel costs will keep downward pressure on airfares in the coming months, with prices down 12 per cent at the start of 2025.
Egg, housing costs might fry hopes of earlier rate cut
Headline inflation has held steady but came in hotter than economists expected in the year to April. Whether it's a blip or something else remains to be seen.
Why the carbon offset ‘swear jar’ needs an overhaul
Firms relying on carbon offsets to tout their green credentials and reduce their environmental footprints are under fresh scrutiny after a court settlement.
Fashion spinning new yarns from a sheep’s head to tail
Wool from the head, legs, belly and bottom of a sheep is generally considered to be of little value, but a new project is spinning it into gold.
Winds of change: govt urged to seize energy mandate
More renewable energy projects should go ahead in Australia and be approved faster after Labor's federal election win, experts say.
Australia must prepare for Hollywood-style cyber attack
Cyber criminals are growing in number and sophistication, warns Australia's top online defender who urges businesses to prepare themselves for the worst.
Australian firms ‘upbeat’ China can navigate trade war
Australian firms are bullish about their opportunities in China despite global trade ructions casting doubt over economic growth, the Reserve Bank deputy says.
US House passes Trump’s sweeping tax-cut bill
House Republicans have stayed up all night to pass US President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful", multitrillion-dollar tax breaks package.
CFMEU boss to step away from national leadership post
The CFMEU's national secretary Zach Smith has told staff he will step back from the role but continue to run one of its state branches.
Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing
Refinancing your home loan – whether by negotiating a better deal with your current lender or switching to a new one – could save you thousands over the life of your loan. However, it won’t be the right decision for everyone. And there are some important things to know about how the process works – including hidden costs and risks.
Aussie shares at three-month high as big bank hits peak
Australia's banks have helped push the local stock market higher as the nation's most valuable company notches a share price record.
Regional house price growth outstrips capital cities
Two regional centres either side of a state capital recorded the highest dwelling value increases so far in 2025, as capital cities reverse a decline.
Restaurants on the brink as business failures plateau
Hospitality venues are feeling the pinch from high business costs and low spending, but lower interest rates should help ease the pain
Trump’s tariff ‘rollercoaster’ raises recession risk
Donald Trump's trade war has clouded economic forecasts as Australia's central bank seeks to thread the needle to avoid the nation tipping into a recession.
Premier denies ticketless fares revamp is off the rails
A completion delay and cost blowout on ticketless public transport fares for commuters doesn't mean the overhaul has hit the skids, a premier insists.
Google offers AI tools to automate that personal touch
Users of Google products could allow AI to personalise email replies and more with their own tone and style by allowing it to peer into their private data.
Telstra accused of beating around the bush on coverage
Telstra admits changing its website to update coverage claims, but denies it misled customers as the consumer watchdog considers the allegations.
‘Wafer-thin’ budget surplus won’t fix debt problem
One unforeseen event would likely erode a state's long-awaited return to surplus, as its treasurer attempts to tame mounting debt in her first budget.
Debt piles up as public service faces $3b budget cut
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill as interest on debt eats a $29-million-a-day hole in a state budget, despite public service job cuts and higher tax revenue.
Borrowers rejoice as rates cut amid ‘uncertain’ times
The official cash rate has a three in front of it for the first time in two years, after the Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points.
Albanese ends whirlwind international tour in Singapore
Anthony Albanese will end his first trip abroad after his re-election with a stopover in Singapore during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Aussie shares hit three-month high as streak continues
Australian shares have pushed higher each session this week as easing trade tensions and hopes of incoming interest rate cuts buoyed markets.
Mind the gap: $1 million homes driving up wealth divide
Home ownership rates continue to decline as more homes crack $1 million in value, making it harder for young Australians to keep up.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.