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.
Economy, Business and Finance
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.
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.
Buy now, pay later co Zip enjoying strong start to FY24
Zip Co has upgraded guidance, saying it expects to be cash earnings positive for 2023/24 after a strong first quarter.
Why the US is overtaking Australia on electric trucks
Tech giant Amazon has revealed a new electric truck milestone as Australia is changing laws to allow more low-emission heavy vehicles on our roads.
Australian shares hit new 2023 low as Mideast rages
The ASX200 has fallen 0.8 per cent to its lowest level in 51 weeks as fighting worsens in the Middle East.
Lobster and beef on menu after China wine breakthrough
Australia will continue to push for the removal of restrictions on lobster and beef exports after a breakthrough on the trade dispute with Beijing over wine.
Spike in petrol prices adding to inflation pain
Australian motorists should not expect fuel price relief any time soon due to a weak exchange rate and volatile oil markets
Albanese-Biden to turn AUKUS vision into reality
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use his official visit to Washington to turn the AUKUS vision of nuclear-powered submarines into a reality.
Fingers crossed for soft enough inflation numbers
Inflation has passed its peak and quarterly data will indicate if prices have been decelerating fast enough for the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates on hold.
Middle East conflict could lead to higher petrol prices
Australians could be facing higher petrol prices as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
Port of Darwin lease won’t be cancelled after review
A controversial 99-year lease held by a Chinese company on the Port of Darwin won't be cancelled or varied, following a federal government review.
Australia remains wishlist for Amazon drone deliveries
The online retail giant is ramping up its drone delivery program but plans to fly and land goods in Aussie backyards is still a way off.
Power station fined for law breach after explosion
A Queensland coal power station was operating without required regulatory approval when it was taken out by an explosion, authorities say.
Qantas gives up on acquiring Alliance Aviation
Qantas has thrown in the towel on its attempt to buy charter operator Alliance Aviation after the deal was opposed by the ACCC.
High Court’s EV ruling may pull the plug on other taxes
A High Court decision to rule Victoria's electric vehicle tax constitutionally invalid could leave similar levies vulnerable to legal challenge.
Jobs market ‘softens around the edges’ after rate rises
The unemployment rate has fallen to 3.6 per cent from 3.7 per cent, according to official data, after a modest 7000 jobs were added to the economy.
Leaders and laggards ranked in electric vehicle race
Greenpeace has issued a report card for the world's top 15 traditional car makers and some of Australia's most popular brands scored low marks.
Transurban sees highest-ever traffic in first quarter
Transurban says 2.5 million motorists used its roads on average each day in the July to September period, up from 2.4 million in 2022/23.
Australian stocks rise as China’s economy rebounds
The local share market has climbed for a second straight day, rising 0.3 per cent as China announced its economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter.
Whitehaven to buy two coal mines for up to $6.4b
Whitehaven will pay up to $6.4 billion for BHP's Daunia and Blackwater coking coal mines in Queensland, transforming itself into a metallurgical coal player.
Chinese diplomat ‘optimistic’ of wine trade resolution
China's ambassador is "optimistic" of a resolution for the trade dispute with Australia, as both nations consider the findings of a report on the issue.
BHP reports strong copper production in first quarter
The Big Australian says it is on track to meet full-year production guidance across all assets and the integration of OZ Minerals' mines has gone well.
‘Shock, after shock’ poses inflation risk: RBA boss
The global economic shocks just keep coming and Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock is concerned about the impact on the outlook for inflation.
Town, 1200 workers reeling with major mine set to close
About 1200 workers are in limbo and a Queensland town is reeling after Glencore announced one of the world's biggest copper mines would close in 2025.
Big backyards could hold key to solve housing crisis
The humble granny flat could help deliver much-needed housing supply as shortages continue to push rents skyward.
Hancock lawyers attack rivals in high-stakes trial
Gina Rinehart's lawyers have attacked two rival mining dynasties' billion-dollar claims for iron ore riches in closing arguments at a high-stakes legal battle.
Australia’s biggest car brand revs up electric concepts
A futuristic electric sports car and SUV will be unveiled by Toyota next week in a move that could signal a change for the brand.
‘Low tolerance’ for slower return to target: RBA
Australia could be galloping towards a Melbourne Cup interest rate rise if progress on inflation proves too slow and the labour market too resilient.
Big cities have room for 655,000 extra granny flats
The humble granny flat could help deliver much-needed housing supply as shortages continue to push rents skyward.
Crypto regulation proposal a ‘critical milestone’
Australian cryptocurrency exchanges are mostly welcoming a proposal to subject them to the same licensing rules as traditional financial institutions.