Shoppers to spend almost $24b on Boxing Day sales
Australians are expected to spend big in the Boxing Day sales, the "Grand Final" of shopping around the nation which starts on Tuesday.
Economy, Business and Finance
Deadly start to Xmas with two dead on Queensland roads
The deaths of two motorists and a serious vehicle collision on Queensland's roads have marked a deadly start to the state's Christmas long weekend.
Vic commuters hit with second fare hike in six months
Public transport fares in Victoria will rise by up to 60 cents a day but the state government insists the hike is modest and needed to keep pace with inflation.
New transport minister reveals costs of major projects
The cost of 32 major road and rail projects across Queensland has almost doubled, with new Transport Minister Bart Mellish promising transparency on the issue.
New fuel standards to reduce driver health risk: PM
New fuel quality standards will be introduced to limit the amount of noxious emissions from vehicles, bringing Australia into line with other western countries.
Population growth to ease as migration levels normalise
Australia's population growth has been boosted by higher migration post-pandemic, but these levels will stabilise in coming years.
Australian shares take a dive after days of gains
The local share market dropped 0.5 per cent, closing lower for just the second time out of the past 10 sessions.
Cost of living relief under consideration for new year
Australians on low and middle incomes could be in for further relief as the Albanese government considers how it can help households under strain.
automotive equipment
energy
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics
road transport
transport
Australia on the road to ban on high-polluting vehicles
New vehicles will have to create less pollution to be sold in Australia under new rules to come into effect in 2025.
Airlines cop heavy flak as number of late flights soars
One-third of all domestic flights were not on time during November, earning airlines stinging rebukes from political leaders.
Australian shares slip after days of gains
The local share market has fallen 0.3 per cent and is on track for just its second losing day out of the past 10 sessions.
Steeper cost of small reactors a blow to nuclear push
A push to add nuclear to Australia's energy mix may be silenced by a steep upward revision of the cost of small reactors by the national science agency.
Arcadium set to join ASX200 after Allkem-Livent merger
Arcadium will be the world's third-biggest lithium producer, a combination of Brisbane-headquartered Allkem and Philadelphia-based Livent.
Hydrogen-electric plane to take to Aussie skies in 2024
A Brisbane company has revealed plans to retrofit and fly a hydrogen-powered light aircraft, in a development that could reduce pollution from air travel.
Firmer footing for Australian economy later in 2024
A surprisingly positive reading for a key leading index points to green shoots for the economy, though one-off factors may be responsible for the upbeat result.
Airbnb faces $30m bill over Australian dollar confusion
A judge has fined Airbnb $15 million over its misleading and deceptive conduct towards Australian customers, who may get millions more in compensation.
Qantas taken to court over dog discrimination claim
Qantas is being taken to court over the airline's decision not to allow a woman's assistance dog to travel with her on its planes.
NZ PM Luxon visits Australia for security talks
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to touch down in Sydney for talks with Anthony Albanese, the Kiwi leader's debut on the international stage.
Christmas cheer as Australian shares hit 10-month high
The local bourse has closed up 0.8 per cent to finish at its highest level since early February, in what one analyst called a textbook Santa rally.
RBA wary of unemployment jump ahead of rates call
The central bank board mulled over another cash rate increase or staying on hold at the December meeting, and kept its options open for more tightening.
Gold Coast Takeoff: Bonza Revs Up Expansion with Two New Aircraft
Bonza's skies are turning purple again, as two new aircraft take off from the Gold Coast, ready to paint 14 Aussie destinations with affordable travel.
Mobile phone coverage boost for bushfire prone areas
Another tranche of black spot funding will target communities at greater risk of bushfires to boost mobile coverage and reliability.
Xmas blitz on badly-behaved travellers at airports
There will be zero tolerance for bad behaviour at the nation's airports this festive season with the Australian Federal Police ramping up patrols.
Rationale behind RBA’s December rates call on show
The minutes from the December interest rate meeting will outline the Reserve Bank's thinking on inflation as households gear up for the festive season.
Aussie ingenuity powers space satellites, future fuels
A small but expert manufacturer in an industrial suburb has developed high-tech fuel tanks for use in space in a breakthrough for future fuels transport.
NAB chair defends bank’s climate pledges at fiery talks
Shareholders have grilled NAB's chairman over the banking giant's commitment to climate change at a heated annual general meeting.
Gas shortfall forecast without significant demand drop
Extra costs for transporting Queensland gas south to other states are expected to hit the east coast gas market next year, adding to supply pressures.
Savers miss out as banks exploit ‘consumer inertia’
The consumer watchdog says many bank customers are paying the loyalty tax on their savings accounts and could be earning more interest.
Project blowout on North East Link to cost $26 billion
Melbourne's North East Link will cost $26 billion, more than double the original estimate of $10b, blamed on project changes and rising construction costs.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
‘Real, growing risk’ of power generation falling short
Energy market tsars are out of step with the "rooftop revolution" and other household energy that could be harnessed in a clean, low-cost system, critics say.
consumer goods
consumer issue - macro economics
consumers
economic policy
economy (general)
road transport
transport
Transport costs accelerate by more than $900 a year
Households in some parts of Australia are paying more than $27,000 a year for transport after costs in the industry rose again.