Passengers launch class action over “cruise from hell”
Cruise passengers are suing for damages and a refund after their vessel got caught in cyclonic weather, claiming they had no option to cancel their holiday.
Economy, Business and Finance
Green hydrogen proponents pumped on vote of confidence
Plans for renewable hydrogen produced with Australian-made electrolysers are closer to commercial reality after the federal budget chipped in $2 billion.
Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
Allkem in $15.7bn lithium merger with US-based Livent
Brisbane-headquartered Allkem, the world's fifth-biggest lithium miner, has agreed to an all-stock merger with US-based Livent to create a global lithium giant.
Local shares edge lower after US inflation rates
Better-than-expected US inflation figures are keeping Australian shares basically flat, despite big gains in the information technology and utilities sectors.
Gumtree sexual predator jailed for ‘despicable’ abuse
A sexual deviant who drugged and raped his new housemate on the day she moved in and took intimate photos of other women has been jailed for almost a decade.
Anglo Coal put workers at risk but not guilty of death
Anglo Coal contravened health and safety regulations but is not responsible for the death of a worker at a central Queensland mine in 2019, a court has found.
Local shares close lower on back of US inflation rates
Better-than-expected US inflation figures has kept Australian shares basically flat, with growing concerns about the debt ceiling.
Dutton urges migration rethink to ease cost pressures
In the wake of his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stepping up criticism of Labor over the pressures of higher migration levels.
Liberals on brink of minority government in Tasmania
The Tasmanian Liberal government will be thrown into a minority as two MPs plan to quit the party over issues including plans to build an AFL stadium.
Government chose foreigners over farmers: Nationals
David Littleproud has accused the government of not understanding regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Leading bank says budget won’t add to inflation
The federal government's latest budget is not expected to drive up inflation with the biggest bank saying the direction for rates is likely to be downward.
Nats accuse Labor of choosing foreigners over farmers
David Littleproud says the government does not understand regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Libs in minority government as MPs quit over stadium
The Tasmanian Liberal government has been thrown into minority as two MPs quit the party over plans to build an AFL stadium in Hobart.
Country set to ‘change course’: minister spruiks budget
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is set for a "change of course" as he defends the Albanese government's cost of living package.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Jenny Craig’s Australian customers, staff await answers
Jenny Craig has gone into voluntary administration after earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
Coles to discard soft-plastic bags by the end of June
Coles says its decision to phase out soft-plastic shopping bags nationwide will remove 230 million of them from circulation within a year.
Calls for petrol ban to speed up electric swap
One in four new vehicles sold in Australia could be electric by 2025 but a group of energy experts says a ban on petrol cars would speed up the move.
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.
New trade office aims to open doors for SA in Germany
A new trade office for South Australia will be set up in Germany, the state's eighth largest trading partner.
Jenny Craig Australia goes into administration
Jenny Craig will go into voluntary administration despite earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Workers on track for fastest wage growth in decades
Fierce competition for workers and government wage polices are expected to underpin strong wage growth in 2024, the federal budget papers confirm.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
South Australia woos backers for green hydrogen, steel
The world needs South Australian-made green hydrogen, ammonia and steel to meet net-zero emission targets, Premier Peter Malinauskas will tell investors.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Payment boost for single parents as age limit lifted
The cut-off for the single parent payment will be raised from eight years to 14 for the youngest child under changes in the federal budget.
Petroleum tax changes to give Aussies a ‘fairer return’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced changes to the petroleum resource rent tax which he says will mean the offshore LNG industry pays more tax, sooner.