Gas shortfall concerns downgraded: ACCC
Australia is not out of the woods when it comes to a domestic gas shortfall but there's enough uncontracted supply available to cover the gap.
Economy, Business and Finance
Fortescue’s electrolyser plant un-Plugged
Fortescue Future Industries' electrolyser plant is going ahead despite the loss of its 50-50 joint venture partner Plug Power - and there's no change in CEO.
L-plater who held child, phone convicted
A learner driver caught behind the wheel with a child in her lap and a mobile phone in her hand has been convicted but will avoid jail after pleading guilty.
Most expensive city for education revealed
Melbourne has proven to be Australia's most expensive city for a government education, while Canberra is the most affordable amid the cost of living crisis.
Inflation figures seal case for rate rise
Official inflation figures show inflation lifting higher than expected and setting the stage for further interest rate hikes in 2023.
Recession fears if interest rates hiked
Deloitte Access Economics warns Australia could fall into a recession if the central bank lifts interest rates again, with households already hurting.
Fewer domestic flights on time in December
More festive season travellers suffered flight delays in December as on-time performance dropped below average, the latest government report card shows.
More than $3m returned to older Aussies
Free legal services have returned more than $3 million to older Australians experiencing elder abuse, with seniors urged to seek help sooner rather than later.
Economy slows as inflation pressures ease
The economy is starting to lose momentum as businesses report easing price pressures and gloomier conditions.
Bailout backed to recoup crypto millions
Cryptocurrency firm Digital Surge will survive as creditors vote for a bailout after hours of questions put to administrators by some of the 30,000 investors.
Mining, migration make Qld the top economy
The Sunshine State is the country's best-performing state economy for the first time in more than a decade of CommSec rankings.
Energy cap takes sting out of price hikes
Treasury forecasts indicate wholesale electricity prices won't rise as high as earlier predicted after the government imposed a gas price cap.
Sea World crash survivor’s health setback
A boy who survived a Gold Coast helicopter crash has suffered a major health setback days after his mother's funeral.
Australia and China secure new trade talks
Canberra and Beijing have progressed talks on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum where trade restrictions on Australian goods were discussed.
Australia is ‘odd one out’ on sugar tax
The Australian Medical Association has renewed calls for the nation to follow the lead of 85 countries and jurisdictions and impose a tax on sugar.
Gas price cap places pressure on retailers
Retailers have been struggling to access affordable long-term gas for their industrial and commercial customers, raising questions about energy policy.
Qld eyes $1.3b lithium-ion battery sector
Queensland could be a world leader in mining and refining raw materials needed for batteries, making cells, assembling packs and recycling, a report says.
China a ‘big story’ for Australia’s growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains upbeat about Australia's resilience in the face of economic headwinds and some domestic challenges.
Aust market at best level in eight months
The local share market is up more than 0.8 per cent at close to an eight-month high, with BHP briefly trading at $50 for the first time.
Doubts over Qld coal mine’s water licence
Queensland's water department erred in granting New Hope's Acland coal mine a licence and a review of its decision is needed, activists say.
agriculture
coal
environmental politics
global warming
mining
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
water
water supply
Review may send Acland mine back to court
Queensland's water department is reviewing a decision to grant a licence to the controversial expansion of New Hope's Acland coal mine.
Sweet breakthrough in bio-manufacturing
Queensland's biofuture is expanding with future foods in the works and sugarcane enzymes providing sustainable answers for alternative aviation fuel.
Australia to make electric buses go round
More electric buses could be made in Australia after one state announced plans to seek feedback into manufacturing more vehicles.
Aust stocks gain after softer job report
The local share market has moved into the green after a weaker-than-expected labour market report from December raised expectations of a pause in rate hikes.
BHP says iron ore production up 3pct in Q4
BHP says it is on track to meet its iron ore production target for 2022/23 as labour constraints and supply chain issues ease.
Gabba funding for Olympic makeover unclear
The Queensland government says it's still working on a funding deal for Olympic infrastructure amid reports the Commonwealth no longer wants to fund the Gabba.
Paper shortage pressures school stationery
Paper companies are scrambling to source foreign white paper after a lack of domestic timber supply dented production at Australia's only white paper mill.
Aust stocks gain after softer jobs report
The local share market has advanced after weaker-than-expected December labour market figures raised expectations of a rate hike pause by the Reserve Bank.
Gas cap rules ‘sound and workable’: ACCC
The gas industry continues to voice concerns about the design of the government's big stick interventions designed to keep energy prices contained.
Australia, EU locked in ‘feta’ trade fight
Australian free trade agreement talks with the EU remain stuck, battling over the rights to use geographical terms like 'feta' cheese and 'Prosecco' wine.
Floods to wreak further havoc on economy
Natural disasters caused billions in damage to the Australian economy in 2022 and the bill is expected to rise from further floods.