Net zero policy to draw on national strengths: Chalmers
Critical minerals, battery manufacturing, renewable hydrogen and green metals have been flagged as net zero industry priorities by the federal treasurer.
Economy, Business and Finance
BHP asserts green credentials despite backlash
BHP says its investment in critical minerals shows it is bringing about the clean energy transition but critics denounce the environmental impact of its mines.
Couple’s debt spirals after cousin’s house, land fraud
A Melbourne couple's debt has soared after their cousin defrauded them by offering a fake $388,000 house and land package, and pocketing the money for herself.
Widespread floods exposed insurance industry failings
A review of the response by insurers into the widespread and catastrophic flooding on the nation's east coast has found multiple weaknesses in the industry.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
manufacturing and engineering
mining
politics
High-purity silicon from Townsville to power the world
Silicon for solar panels and batteries will be part of a green precinct for high-tech manufacturing to kickstart new supply chains and end China's dominance.
RBA warns of looming financial stability risks
Australia faces a number of emerging risks to financial stability that look quite different to those of recent decades, RBA assistant governor Brad Jones says.
Australian shares suffer worst month since Sept 2022
The local share market finished October down 3.8 per cent, its third straight month of losses and worst monthly performance in more than a year.
Australia’s new dawn: becoming a green superpower with a big role in cutting global emissions
The level of renewable energy required by the energy transition will see Australia's power prices fall to some of the lowest in the world.
Retail sales dig in with hotter than expected growth
The new iPhone model, government policies and unseasonably warm weather have all helped prop up retail sales ahead of a much-anticipated cash rate decision.
Boozers reach for cheap hooch as sales lag at Endeavour
Liquor retailer Endeavour Group says shoppers are switching to cheaper products at Dan Murphy's and BWS as the company struggles to keep up with competitors.
Electric LandCruisers expected to drive change in mines
Two climate companies are teaming up to put thousands more electric vehicles into Australian mines, with forecasts thousands will be in use by 2026.
Interest-free loans to power up demand for clean energy
Interest-free loans on solar panels and batteries will be offered by one major bank in a bid to make renewable energy affordable to more households.
Bank lending not helping Australia’s ailing environment
Australian Conservation Foundation research has questioned the lending practices of Australian banks and their impact on nature.
Strong competition as Vic economy ranked nation’s best
Economic activity, retail spending and business investment has catapulted Victoria to best performing economy in the nation but it faces stiff competition.
Industry backs patience on high-quality EU trade deal
Talks on a landmark free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia have collapsed following the latest round of negotiations.
Auction jump ahead of expected Cup day rate hike
An expected rate hike on Melbourne Cup Day has impacted the number of homes going under the hammer, with clearance rates tipped to jump.
Wine and spirit bottle refunds offered in Aussie first
Queenslanders will now be paid 10 cents for empty wine and pure spirit glass containers at the state's recycling stations, as the scheme expands.
Power shift as Indigenous people want clean energy say
Indigenous Australians are demanding a seat at the table in the clean energy sector and are turning to the Canadian experience as a positive model.
Fresh insights into retail sector, housing market
Consumers have been reining in their spending in response to high interest rates and new data may signal a continuation of this trend.
Coal fires up Queensland’s budget surplus
Net debt has shrunk and the budget surplus has boomed, a report into the Queensland government's finances has revealed.
Australian stocks plunge again to new low for 2023
The local share market has finished at its lowest level in a year amid war in the Middle East, rising bond yields and expectations of more rate hikes.
Major car brand launches EV battery recycling plan
Kia Australia has partnered with a Melbourne company to reuse and recycle its electric car batteries when they start to power down.
Labor ‘gooses’ for failing to ban deadly silica stone
The Minns government has faced the largest protest in its existence after angry construction workers demanded engineered stone be banned.
Appliance sales switch off as economy slows JB Hi-Fi
Home appliance and consumer electronics sales fell for JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys as the companies face a 'tougher retail trading environment'.
Casual worker changes threaten jobs: Wesfarmers chair
Corporate heavyweight Michael Chaney says proposed changes to Australia's labour laws would add complexity and cost.
Government faces global and local calls for tax reform
Australia should consider revenue raising options that are less vulnerable to an ageing population than income tax, the OECD says.
Woolworths shareholders revolt after two worker deaths
Woolworths Group shareholders have rejected the company's remuneration framework, saying bonuses should have been slashed more after the deaths of two workers.
One million homes targeted for energy upgrades by 2030
A three-year project aiming to improve energy efficiency in older Australian homes has kicked off with a bold goal to upgrade one million households by 2030.
RBA ‘wary’ more rate hikes needed to beat inflation
The head of the Reserve Bank admits decision-makers "don't know if the job is done yet" when it comes to interest rate tightening to combat inflation.
Hong Kong police visit raises concerns
Concerns have been raised about Hong Kong police officers touring Australia and meeting with the AFP after China cracked down on freedoms.
Heated inflation figures put rate hike firmly in play
The Reserve Bank may be forced to lift interest rates again as fresh inflation data suggests the fight is not yet over.