Treasurer confident worst of inflation has passed
The federal government is adamant that while the coming economic year will be tough, inflation is heading in the right direction.
Economy, Business and Finance
Premier reveals ‘life-saving’ cashless pokies reform
All poker machines in NSW will be cashless within five years under a proposal by Premier Dominic Perrottet, who says the change will protect vulnerable people.
Inquiry slams Barilaro hiring as ‘job for the boys’
Former NSW trade minister Stuart Ayres was not at arm's length in the appointment of John Barilaro to a plum US trade job, a parliamentary inquiry has found.
Downer EDI chosen to make 65 trains in regional Qld
Downer EDI is the preferred supplier of 65 new Queensland trains at a new hub in the city of Maryborough with a contract to be signed next month.
Struggle to survive in Torres Strait Island ‘paradise’
Traditional owners in the Torres Strait Islands are being forced to leave their archipelago homes amid the soaring cost of living and lack of housing.
Spongiest city no match for deadly ‘atmospheric river’
Extensive flood devastation in Australia and New Zealand is calling into question the design of cities that should keep millions of residents out of harm's way.
Electric car tax cuts are fuelling demand and delays
Demand for electric vehicles is speeding up in Australia, fuelled by tax cuts, but one policy is putting the brakes on progress.
RBA decision tipped to deliver more mortgage pain
Another interest rate hike is expected when the Reserve Bank board meets on Tuesday for the first time in two months.
Consumer complaints continue to trail pandemic
Consumer complaints in Queensland continue to eclipse pre-pandemic levels, with the Office of Fair Trading clawing back $11.2 million for disgruntled customers.
Ex-minister misled public: Barilaro trade job report
Former NSW trade minister Stuart Ayres was not at arm's length in the appointment of John Barilaro to a plum US trade job, a parliamentary inquiry has found.
NSW premier unveils five-year cashless pokies reform
All poker machines in NSW will be cashless within five years under a proposal by Premier Dominic Perrottet, who says the change will protect vulnerable people.
Consumers tighten belts amid interest rate rise squeeze
The latest retail figures show Australians are tightening their spending, falling 0.2 per cent in the December quarter.
EV boom! Electric car sales tipped to be led by Baby Boomer generation
Australians from older generations are most likely to buy new generation electric vehicles, according to a new study, that also found car costs are rising.
Price pressures may ease but mortgage cliff looms
Inflation is likely to start easing but many mortgage holders face higher repayments once their fixed-rate terms expire, a living costs committee has been told.
Home values slide further but regions prove resilient
The property downturn is hitting capital cities harder than regions, suggesting higher demand has become permanent for regional markets.
Barilaro’s office denied bushfire funds in Labor seats
The NSW auditor‑general's report on bushfire recovery grants has found John Barilaro's office excluded Labor electorates from urgent funding.
Bonza takes to the sky with first Australian flight
Australia's new low-cost airline is officially airborne, with the first flight taking off from its base on the Sunshine Coast.
Global growth outlook slightly healthier, says IMF
The outlook for the global economy has improved marginally, with inflation likely past its peak and trending down over 2023 and 2024.
Shoppers urged to swoop on glut of premature pineapples
Pineapple farmers are struggling to keep up with a prematurely ripened crop and fear millions of tonnes of Australian fruit will be left to rot in fields.
Australia’s AAA rating affirmed
Strong demand for Australia's energy exports and the strong labour market have kept upwards pressure on the country's sovereign credit rating.
Greens threaten to derail emissions clamp
Labor's plan to reduce the ceiling on carbon emissions for some big companies doesn't go far enough, the Greens say.
Wholesale energy prices, emissions falling
Wholesale electricity prices and carbon emissions dropped in the December quarter as solar and wind became "most valuable player" in the Australian market.
Petrol set to soar before public holiday
Petrol prices are edging up in many parts of Australia before the January 26 public holiday.
Broker jailed for stealing clients’ shares
Former Queensland stockbroker Roderick George Halligan stole $1.2 million in shares from clients and used fake documents to conceal the thefts for 12 years.
Hefty pay rises required to beat inflation
The soaring cost of living is leaving wages for dust, with workers needing generous pay rises to outpace inflation.
Elon Musk claims his tweets boost Tesla
Tesla boss Elon Musk has defended his social media use in a call with investors, saying more car brands should use Twitter to interest buyers.
$400m freight terminal coming to Melbourne
A $400 million freight terminal slated for Melbourne's north by 2025 will reduce congestion on the city's roads, developers say.
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.
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.