Aldi banks on winning customers over opening new stores
The nearest supermarket rival to Coles and Woolworths says it's focused on trying to woo new customers rather than expanding its chain of Australian stores.
consumers
Farmers fear being frozen out by supermarket giants
Produce growers face limited export opportunities, low bargaining power and high costs to supply Australian supermarket giants, an inquiry has heard.
New vehicle sales slow down as economy applies brakes
New vehicle sales have fallen in Australia for the third month in a row, with sales figures revealing private buyers were most likely to drive on by.
‘Frustrated, sceptical’ consumers lose trust in grocers
Consumers doubt rising costs are totally to blame for higher grocery prices, as profits fall for manufacturers struggling to pass on surging costs.
Optus regrets ‘unacceptable’ conduct alleged by ACCC
Australia's second-largest telco says it failed to meet expectations after the consumer watchdog alleged "unconscionable conduct" against vulnerable customers.
Australia urged not to pull the plug on hybrid tax cuts
Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles are accelerating in Australia as a tax deadline approaches, but some automotive groups say an extension is needed.
Read null about it: privacy changes could bury news
Changes to Australian privacy laws could open an avenue for powerful people to shut down news coverage, a group has told a Senate inquiry.
Coles, Woolies call price check on ACCC discount claim
Supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths will fight the consumer watchdog over accusations of dodgy "price drop" campaigns.
Future AI chatbots may secretly dob on their users
Subtle changes in the words used by generative AI tools could act as a virtual watermark for the text they produce to tip off readers, research has found.
No steering wheel, pedals: ready to ride in a Cybercab?
Tesla has unveiled its vision for self-driving taxis in a vehicle that has no manual driving controls. Experts say they are cautious but optimistic.
Trial to test if electric vehicles can power homes
Australia's national science agency will team with an electricity retailer to find out whether electric cars can be used to power homes and back up the grid.
More than 100,000 Kia cars recalled due to fire risk
Owners of 10 Kia model vehicles are being urged to park them away from flammable structures after the discovery of a serious fire risk with an electrical part.
Green ideals meet hip-pocket pain as power prices surge
Young Australians are most likely to pay a premium to access renewable energy at home, a study has found, but high energy prices are turning off others.
Qantas fined for selling seats on cancelled flights
A Federal Court judge has approved a $100 million fine, agreed by the consumer watchdog and Qantas, after the airline sold seats on already cancelled flights.
Hybrids demoted to make way for electric Uber rides
Rideshare giant Uber is making changes to encourage more drivers to adopt electric vehicles, including knocking hybrid cars out of 'green' service.
Park your car to power your home: study probes EV tech
Electric cars could become energy storage solutions as part of a two-year project launched by the NRMA and university researchers.
Tight gas market to remain as additional wells approved
Two offshore drilling licences have been approved to bring more gas to the domestic east coast market as experts warn of potential shortfalls next winter.
Australia’s first solar garden prepares for its harvest
Solar gardens could be a solution for people locked out of the booming renewable energy market, experts say, as the first of its kind prepares to pay investors.
Coles and Woolworths head down, down to federal court
The consumer watchdog is taking Coles and Woolworths to court amid allegations the retailers allegedly artificially increased prices on hundreds of goods.
National safety rules needed to curb e-bike fire risks
Electric scooters, bicycles and skateboards should be inspected and some removed from online platforms following dangers identified in a NSW inquiry.
Australia could double solar power by 2030, report says
Putting solar panels on the roofs of businesses, new homes and social housing could double Australia's renewable power, a study has found.
AI is coming to your smartphone but not the guardrails
Tech giant Apple is expected to launch its first iPhones with generative AI within days but experts say the technology still lacks safeguards.
How electric cars could drive renewable energy change
Motorists could support Australia's national electricity grid by using their cars as batteries, a report says, but policies and standards need to change.
‘Let me out’: Aussies need help with subscription traps
Most Australians have struggled to cancel a subscription and some have given up entirely, a report has warned amid calls for legal reforms.
Queensland renters locked out of solar savings
In the lead-up to the Queensland state election, Solar Citizens wants the major parties to make big commitments to renewable energy.
Power struggle: why solar batteries are tipped to soar
It's not just climate change and bills fuelling demand for solar batteries - the threat of blackouts is prompting more households to invest in energy storage.
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.
Origin Energy eyes gas imports, longer life for Eraring
Electricity and gas giant Origin Energy warns Australia will need to import gas to meet domestic demand and taxpayers may have to pay to burn coal for longer.
Transition ‘well under way’ as AGL rejects nuclear push
Energy giant AGL has posted a stellar profit on higher power prices, taking the lead in the transition and dismissing nuclear as too costly and too late.
A bird? Plane? It’s an autonomous electric flying taxi
Catching a ride to a faraway place could involve a small aircraft with no pilot in future, experts say, as regulations race to catch up with the technology.
Budgets running on fumes as car costs outpace inflation
Transport is becoming an even bigger household expense, with research showing costs grew by more than 10 per cent over the past year.