Top forecaster’s dire prediction if Iran war drags on
Australia could enter a recession, with the Reserve Bank raising interest rates a further three times, economists warn as fears of a protracted conflict mount.
Economy, Business and Finance
Australian shares sink as oil hits $US116 a barrel
The Australian share market has fallen 0.7 per cent after oil prices hit a nearly four-year high and Houthi militants entered the Middle East war.
Fill ‘er up: electric trucks plug into charging network
Three electric truck charging hubs will be built in one Australian capital city in the first stage of a project designed to power up the transport transition.
Fuel pain to last longer despite tax cut kicking in
Fuel prices won't immediately become cheaper at the bowser as a tax cut comes into effect, and might take weeks to flow through to motorists.
The RBA conflict that could decide its next rates call
Australia's central bank must abandon its narrow path and choose between getting inflation down quickly or keeping unemployment low, economists say.
Vapes may cause cancer despite safer than smoking claim
Using nicotine-based vapes is likely to cause lung and oral cancer, even if e-cigarette users do not smoke tobacco, a watershed academic review has found.
ABC staff lament poor wages as strike, re-runs roll on
The ABC will rely on foreign content and repeats of old shows to fill 24 hours of broadcasting as its workers down tools for their first strike in decades.
Calm before storm: RBA braces for spikes and hikes
The economy is expected to be hit with a savage inflation spike which will in turn increase the chances of more interest rate hikes.
Billions for Rio smelter rescue hailed as ‘slam dunk’
An aluminium smelter will get billions of dollars in government funding to stay open and save thousands of jobs in the latest bailout of a metals manufacturer.
‘No other venues’: croc habitat to host Olympic rowing
Plans to hold the 2032 Brisbane Olympic rowing at a crocodile habitat remain on track for a defiant state government providing a Games venue update.
Industry bailouts defended as Iran war smashes markets
Industry Minister Tim Ayres has outlined the government's industry-science strategy, saying global instability and the conflict in Iran demands stronger ties.
Bigger fines for dodgy servos but fuel fears remain
Fresh produce is likely to go up in price as higher fuel costs flow through the nation's supply chains, but relief to petrol shortages is on the way.
Hard time for renters as landlords squeeze tight market
Rising interest rates and living cost pressures mean it will be a tough year for the housing market, and even more so for renters.
Meta, Google lose US trial over social media addiction
A US jury has ruled YouTube and Instagram were negligent in the design of their apps and the companies that own them failed to warn about their dangers.
No new mines but coal expansions given green light
Large-scale coal mine expansions will continue to be approved under a new state policy despite concerns from its own carbon emissions commission.
Aussie shares plunge, oil prices spike as war escalates
The Australian stock market has fallen to its lowest level since November, with heavy losses for goldminers as the yellow metal fell to $US4,850.
Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b
The bourse is down for a third straight week with more than $270 billion wiped from its market value since US attacks on Iran sparked an energy market crisis.
Labor considers windfall gas tax amid Iran price spike
A new tax on extraordinary gas profits caused by the Middle East conflict could raise an extra $27 billion per year for the federal budget, advocates say.
Two men in hospital after brazen alleged hit and run
A man will spend the night behind bars after he allegedly strangled an unknown man and pinned another under his car before driving away.
Free midday power just the start for energy equity
Zero-cost daytime energy is about capitalising on Australia's solar success story but more could be done to ensure renters and apartment occupants benefit.
EU leader touches down as PM hopes to land trade deal
The president of the European Commission has begun her three-day visit to Australia, as a long-awaited free-trade deal with the bloc appears set to be resolved.
‘Tales of two insolvencies’: small business failures up
Credit-demand figures indicate business conditions have been headed south since before the US-Israeli war on Iran rocked global energy markets.
Rationing not yet on the cards as fuel outlook worsens
Australia has been reassured by a key trading partner its fuel supplies are not at risk as other nations look to limit exports to support domestic markets.
Cheaper goods to flow under ‘hard yakka’ EU trade deal
Australia and Europe will go on a tariff-slashing blitz, inking a historic trade deal after almost a decade of sometimes-intractable negotiations.
Aussies could miss big payday due to basic AI skills
Millions of Australian workers are using artificial intelligence tools with only a basic understanding, and could boost their salaries with more training.
Homemade chips: $20m boost for Aussie quantum leader
A company planning to create the world's first commercial quantum computer will get a multimillion-dollar boost to achieve it in Australia.
Critics slam ‘ham-fisted’ plan to crack down on e-bikes
Critics have blasted nationwide moves to clamp down on e‑scooters and e‑bikes through tough legislative reforms, dismissing them as "ham-fisted".
RBA frets over severe global shock from Middle East war
Spillover from the Iran war and an uptick in risky lending to first-home buyers could threaten Australia's financial stability, the Reserve Bank warns.
Fuel ration push parked as crisis talks target pricing
Ministers say they're focused on getting more petrol into the market in response to the Iran war, rather than limiting how much motorists can buy.
Coal miner reaps price rise from Middle East conflict
Coalminer New Hope is experiencing a price lift for the black mineral from the war in the Middle East, after posting a sharp fall in interim profit.