Home price growth gathers pace as confidence returns
Property prices in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane still grew the fastest in January but Melbourne and Sydney also had a more convincing month.
Economy, Business and Finance
Conservationists round on premier over logging bid
A plan by Tasmania's Liberal government to go big on native forest logging when other states are bugging out has dismayed conservationists.
Australian shares hit record high on back of late rally
The Australian share market has hit a record in intraday trading, before closing at its second-highest level after rallying all afternoon.
Forest wars flare after pledge to grow native logging
Native forestry in Tasmania will be expanded if the Liberal government is re-elected at the upcoming state election on March 23.
Sales, dividend down as retail slump hits Harvey Norman
Ongoing macroeconomic headwinds have buffeted Harvey Norman's profits but the retailer insists its property portfolio keeps its balance sheet in good health.
Retail sales rebound but spending appetite is weak
The consumer sector is clearly in pain and prioritising discounted goods, making it a difficult time to be a discretionary retailer.
Star returns to profit, welcomes new Bell inquiry
Star Entertainment Group has posted a $9.1 million first-half profit, but revenue was down 15 per cent as it faced increased competition and weaker spending.
First person jailed under foreign interference laws
A former Liberal Party candidate will be jailed for at least a year after becoming the first person in Australia found guilty under foreign interference laws.
Green mining could be dynamite for new hydrogen sector
Australia could usher in the next boom by switching ammonia production plants from gas to renewable hydrogen to supply the mining sector with green explosives.
First homebuyer shared equity scheme clears lower house
A shared equity scheme allowing first homebuyers to buy a property with a two per cent deposit has passed the House of Representatives.
Resilient travel demand propels Flight Centre earnings
Australians' insatiable appetite for travel amid falling discretionary spending has helped Flight Centre to a solid sales lift in the first half of 2023/24.
Inflation results show signs of waning price pressures
Stretched households will welcome promising signals on price pressures as a key monthly measure comes in softer than anticipated.
Aussies to keep more of what they earn as tax cuts pass
Low and middle income earners are guaranteed bigger tax cuts after changes championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cleared federal parliament.
Detention centre builds to help handle juvenile crime
Queensland is almost doubling the capacity of its youth detention system in a bid to keep the community safe amid an outcry over juvenile crime.
breaking_news
company information
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
Woodside under the pump on climate risk as profit falls
Critics say Woodside Energy's carbon reduction plans are "meaningless" as the oil and gas giant expands to meet decades of demand expected for Australian LNG.
Coles CEO defends making profit, says competition tough
Coles Group chief executive Leah Weckert says the supermarket chain earns less than $3 for every $100 spent in its stores, and its profit has dropped.
Call for action on gender equity as pay gaps exposed
Australian employers are under pressure to close their gender pay gaps and could face hurdles getting contracts with government if they don't change.
Tech firm enters Australia’s electric car charging race
A technology services company behind the NBN rollout has revealed plans to focus on electric car infrastructure after identifying it as 'the next big thing'.
Twiggy backs fossil fuel levy, slams nuclear ‘bulldust’
Business leader Andrew Forrest has called for a levy on fossil fuel producers and labelled nuclear-focused energy policies 'bulldust' during a national address.
University student safety watchdog set for 2025 entry
A new student ombudsman who will be able to handle complaints about how universities respond to sexual assault and other issues is slated to start in 2025.
Divers sent to new site in search for Sydney couple
Police divers have been sent to the Southern Tablelands, southwest of Sydney, as the search for the bodies of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies continues.
auto trends
consumer goods
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
road transport
transport
Electric vehicle charging sparks concern among drivers
More than two in three Australians think the nation needs more electric vehicle charging stations even though their number almost doubled last year.
Prison terms for bosses, $33m fines over waste cartel
Two top waste firms and their former bosses have been punished for taking part in the "most egregious form of anti-competitive behaviour".
Qld premier announces $570m battery industry strategy
Premier Steven Miles says he is confident Queensland's battery market will excel on the world stage after announcing a $570 million investment.
air pollution
energy
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
research and development
road transport
technology (general)
transport
wireless technology
Drive-by charging on the cards for electric trucks
A world-first research project will attempt to recharge heavy-duty trucks wirelessly while they drive along roads in regional Australia.
‘We’re not the Soviet Union’: PM on supermarket chains
Australians working for major supermarket chains would lose their jobs if the federal government forced them to break-up, Anthony Albanese says.
Iron ore strength bankrolls emission-busting Fortescue
High prices and loyal Chinese demand for Fortescue Group's iron ore has delivered a stellar profit and cash pile to bankroll ambitious emission-busting plans.
Lower fares blamed for Qantas’ descending profit
Qantas says fare cuts are behind a $183 million reduction in its first-half profit, as it unveils measures to enhance the on-board experience for passengers.
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
lifestyle (house and home)
renewable energy
Australia needs more batteries, EVs and electricians
Australia needs to recruit more female electricians, deploy more home solar batteries and connect electric cars to the grid, a Senate inquiry has heard.
Cyclone prompts pilots to jettison four-day strike
A strike at a Qantas subsidiary has been suspended at the request of the West Australian government because of a cyclone and the possible need for evacuations.
Scentre FY earnings improve, more growth ahead
Westfield owner Scentre Group has claimed better full-year earnings and says more growth is to come from three shopping centre redevelopments.