Economy ‘nowhere near recessionary’ despite predictions
Australia's economic forecasts might not be as positive as hoped but there are still signs of strength in the economy, an expert says.
construction and property
‘Negligent villains’ blamed for cladding fire risk
A combustible cladding manufacturer has defended its product in court, saying misuse by negligent building professionals created an increased fire risk.
CFMEU legal luck questioned as blue-collar anger boils
More than 50,000 angry protesters rallied against the construction union being put into administration but its chance of winning a legal fight is questionable.
Class action seeks ‘fullest relief’ over dodgy cladding
A group of building owners has asked a judge for the maximum relief possible after spending millions replacing combustible cladding that caused a fire risk.
Construction workers plan protests over takeover move
Unions are set to hold protests as a legal battle looms over the government placing the CFMEU's construction arm and associated branches into administration.
‘Dangerous’ building cladding used despite fire risks
Building owners are seeking millions in damages over combustible cladding that could rain flaming debris on those below, like during the Grenfell Tower blaze.
CFMEU is down but the court battle may be just starting
A possible court challenge could threaten the government's attempt to tackle the CFMEU's alleged corrupt behaviour and criminal links.
breaking_news
construction and property
court administration
crime, law and justice
organized crime
politics
unions
Crack down on construction union clears final hurdle
The CFMEU has signalled it could challenge new laws forcing it into administration for at least three years, as parliament agreed to pass the reforms.
company information
construction and property
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
iron and steel
metal and mineral
mining
BlueScope backs Port Kembla steelworkers amid downturn
A major steelmaker warns of tough conditions as it braces for rising electricity, gas and labour costs amid a stubbornly soft home building market.
Lendlease’s losses deepen after tough year in property
Lendlease has extended its bottom line losses to more than $1 billion after taking a hit in a tough market as charges related to its new strategy took a toll.
Hey big spender: home prices soar in Olympics host city
The launch of an eye-watering penthouse development targeting ultra-wealthy buyers is a sign of the times in one of Australia's hottest real estate markets.
banking
construction and property
consumers
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
interest rate
money and monetary policy
politics
real estate
unions
Building costs in the frame for ongoing housing crisis
The Reserve Bank says it is closely monitoring the housing shortage, but dismisses reports a construction union is to blame for escalating costs.
Property market picking up in smaller capital cities
REA Group's CEO says property listings in Melbourne and Sydney might marginally decline in 2024/25, but Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are showing growth.
Property giant Mirvac warns of ‘challenging’ conditions
Mirvac is investing in build-to-rent apartments and industrial sites as it slashes the value of high-rise offices and warns of ongoing challenging conditions.
Fight against ‘disgraceful’ accessible housing standard
Living in a home built with accessibility in mind is a dream Julie Charlton and others with disabilities like her want to be made a national reality.
Doubt cast over plan to convert CBD offices into homes
The cost of retrofitting under-used Melbourne CBD offices into residential apartments is proving an obstacle to a key housing policy getting off the ground.
construction and property
consumer confidence
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
inflation and deflation
retail
Relief in sight as rates focus switches to cuts
Mortgage-holders appear to have avoided another interest rate hike, in a welcome development for the federal government with an election on the horizon.
Building ‘black hole’ link to scared horses, jockey ban
Horse racing at Queensland's biggest track is at a standstill after jockeys refused to ride, claiming a nearby construction site is spooking the animals.
Ex-minister defends Labor on CFMEU as union heads roll
Labor heavyweight Craig Emerson has distanced the party from allegations of criminality within the CFMEU, suggesting it won't cause significant voter backlash.
‘No secrets’: CFMEU ‘bikie-fication’ dates back decades
Political leaders have expressed shock at revelations of bikie links within the CFMEU but they were a matter of public record long before the latest reports.
Qld freezes talks with union as Vic allegations unfold
No further meetings will proceed between the construction union and Queensland's Labor government while serious allegations develop interstate.
Victoria backs probe into ‘serious’ Setka, union claims
Serious allegations levelled at a Labor-aligned construction union and its long-time state boss John Setka must be investigated, the Victorian government says.
Controversial union boss John Setka suddenly quits
Union heavyweight John Setka has suddenly quit the CFMEU's top role citing "malicious attacks" and "ongoing false allegations" in stories.
Call for union probe as PM fires parting shot at Setka
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the departure of construction union boss John Setka as the Victorian opposition calls for an independent probe.
Albanese condemns Setka amid fresh union allegations
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired a parting shot at controversial Victorian construction union boss John Setka following his sudden resignation.
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
auto trends
automotive equipment
construction and property
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
consumers
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
environmental issue
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Old apartment blocks struggling to support EV take-up
More Australians are buying electric cars but experts warn millions of apartment dwellers may delay making purchases if they can't charge the vehicles at home.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.