Labor’s climate policy approaching Greens Senate hurdle
The federal government will need to agree to stop new coal and gas projects opening if it wants the Greens' help on a signature emissions reduction measure.
Economy, Business and Finance
Mortgage holder rates pain ‘disturbs’ Reserve Bank boss
The Reserve Bank governor has acknowledged the pain felt by mortgage holders but says getting on top of inflation will prevent more rate rises and job losses.
Coal and gas bargaining chip for climate change policy
The Greens will support the government's changes to the safeguard mechanism, a key climate policy, if it agrees to stop new coal and gas projects.
FMG reduces dividends amid green energy powerhouse push
Fortescue Metals has lowered dividend payouts as it repositions itself as a green energy powerhouse, with increased spending on decarbonisation projects.
Energy Australia’s $1.5m fine after worker’s death
Energy Australia has been fined $1.5 million after admitting the death of a worker working on high voltage cables at its Yallourn power station was preventable.
Farmers, truckies, councils want $5.5b rural road fix
A new alliance of farmers, livestock carriers and local councils are calling on the federal government to provide $5.5 billion in emergency funding for roads.
Star hit by casino slump, flags up to $1.6b writedown
Shares of casino operator Star Entertainment have slumped after it flagged an impairment charge of up to $1.6 billion.
Inland Rail review identifies ‘significant concerns’
An independent review of the Inland Rail project to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will expose "significant concerns" with the project.
Consumers fret over new year of interest rate hikes
Another cash rate hike and suggestions of more to come has mortgage holders worried, with consumer confidence sinking to the lows of the pandemic.
Future of Victorian electric vehicle tax up in the air
The High Court is set to rule on whether Victoria's electric vehicle tax is constitutional in a case that could decide what levies states can impose.
Greens to support climate mechanism, with one condition
The federal government will need to agree to stop new coal and gas projects opening if it wants the Greens' help on a signature emissions reduction measure.
Flawed RBA predictions have ‘damaged credibility’
The Reserve Bank's former governor has delivered a scathing assessment of its recent performance as current chief Philip Lowe faces a parliamentary grilling.
CBA lifts dividend as half-year profit jumps
Australia's biggest lender has lifted its half-year cash profit by 9 per cent and lifted interim dividend by 20 per cent to $2.10 a share.
News Corp to slash one in 20 jobs amid earnings drop
News Corp will cut 1250 jobs in response to a big slump in second-quarter earnings as interest rates and inflation bite.
Reserve Bank flags higher rates to tackle inflation
Many Australians are facing a "painful squeeze" from the cost of living and rising interest rates, but the Reserve Bank is confident it's doing the right thing.
Intervention for energy prices working, says treasurer
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says intervention in the energy market is working and that a decision will be made mid-year on the fate of RBA governor Philip Lowe.
Housing advocates call for Queensland rent hike limits
Queensland housing advocates are calling for the state government to limit the number and size of rent rises allowed each year to protect tenants.
Disease-resistant peanuts come to life in Qld field
Peanuts are susceptible to a range of diseases usually controlled with chemicals, but the systematic breeding of resistant varieties could change that.
Australia may return Norfolk Island to self-governance
Almost 2200 people living on Norfolk Island could have self-rule returned more than seven years after the federal government took over the remote island.
RBA backs power bills relief plan to help ease costs
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers has seized on support for a power bill relief plan as he meets his state and territory counterparts online.
Qld looks to market for affordable housing fix
The Queensland government is calling for more private and social sector proposals for affordable homes with the offer of grants from a $130 million pool.
Rent freeze needed for ‘cooked’ NSW housing, say Greens
The NSW Greens say the rental market leaves millions of people feeling like second class citizens and an independent body is needed to fix the sector.
Aust stocks creep higher as market awaits RBA decision
The ASX was up 0.1 per cent at noon, a few hours ahead of the Reserve Bank's latest decision on interest rates.
Researchers identify business opportunity in bush food
Queensland researchers have examined a group of plants used by First Nations Australians as food and found it could be a nutritious alternative to salt.
Transurban CEO steps down after 11 years at the wheel
As toll road operator Transurban released record earnings results, CEO Scott Charlton says he will step down from the role he has held for almost 11 years.
Fresh push to ban junk food ads on Vic public transport
The Victorian government has been urged to place a ban on junk food and drink advertisements across the state public transport network.
Record ninth consecutive increase to official cash rate
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced a 25 basis point rise in the cash rate, taking it to 3.35 per cent - the highest since September 2012.
Australian stocks fall as Reserve Bank turns hawkish
The Australian share market has fallen 0.5 per cent, notching its worst loss in a month after the RBA indicated it would keep hiking rates.
Barrier Reef fears sink Palmer’s push for new coal mine
A central Queensland project proposed by Clive Palmer has become the first coal mine to be refused under national environmental laws.
AGL Energy posts first-half loss amid decarbonisation
AGL Energy has posted a first-half loss, citing the cost of decarbonisation, outages and challenging energy market conditions.
AGL Energy slams government intervention, posts H1 loss
AGL Energy has posted a first-half loss, citing the cost of decarbonisation, coal plant outages and challenging energy market conditions.