Rising cost of living hammers renters and mortgage belt
Higher rents are weighing heavily on Australians receiving government support payments as all households experience rising living costs.
consumers
Uber to take Leaf out of Japan’s second-hand EV market
Ride-share and food delivery drivers will be encouraged to adopt second-hand electric vehicles under a pilot program launched in Queensland.
Price cuts may recharge Aussie electric vehicle market
Some of Australia's biggest electric vehicle brands have cut the price of their models, with one setting a record cost for low-emission cars.
Car chargers at tourist curio could be coup for Tesla
Australia's best-selling electric vehicle brand will open a charging station near a Queensland tourism attraction despite funding cuts to its program.
Tesla launches deal to cut electric vehicle speed bumps
Australia's most popular electric vehicle brand has partnered with an insurance firm to reduce another hurdle to investing in low-emission transport.
Call for ad ban on easy credit for groceries, medicines
A popular form of credit to encourage online shopping has morphed into a crutch for trying to stay a step ahead of financial disaster, an inquiry has been told.
Big batteries for the ‘heavy lifting’ as cold snap hits
The more clean energy in the nation's network, the better it will be for power bills and keeping the lights on, experts say, despite a lull during a cold snap.
Porsche to put brakes on 1600 luxury electric vehicles
More than 1600 high-end electric sports cars have been recalled over a safety issue, in the second electric car recall in a week.
Why Aussie garages could power homes around the nation
Plans are advancing to allow electric vehicle batteries to save Australian homes from blackouts and other power emergencies, but a few hurdles remain.
Doctors call for AI rules to prevent medical mistakes
Doctors and nurses are using AI tools in patient settings daily, an inquiry has heard, even though the technology falls outside regulations.
‘Game changer’, cash-free charging trial for EV drivers
A major electric car-charging network will test cashless payment technology in what's being hailed as a game changer for EV drivers.
Banks lashed for ripping off poorer customers
The market watchdog has slammed four major banks for causing financial distress to more than two million Australians by systematically overcharging on fees.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
government
natural gas
politics
Gridlock on new energy transmission adds to bill shock
Delays for energy transmission projects over the past decade, under both major parties, are adding to power bills and making the nation's network less reliable.
Virtual reality tech, batteries named in safety probe
Battery-powered products and new kinds of consumer gadgets will be closely examined by Australia's consumer watchdog as a top priority.
Any power cost reductions must flow to households: ACCC
Aussies are using less power and producing more rooftop solar to cope with energy costs, the consumer watchdog finds, urging retailers to share cost reductions.
Why Australian news could be banned from Facebook again
Banishing Australian news content from Facebook could devastate media outlets and disadvantage audiences, an inquiry into social media has heard.
breaking_news
business (general)
business enterprises
consumers
internet
it/computer sciences
mass media
media
online
technology (general)
Telstra, Optus end Google deals after watchdog warning
Internet behemoth Google paid Australia's top two telcos to be the default search engine on Android phones for seven years, the competition watchdog has found.
Watchdog warning ends Google deal with Telstra, Optus
Telstra and Optus have agreed to stop accepting payments from Google under deals to pre-install the tech giant's search software as default on their phones.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
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.
Smart meters to keep the lights on, one home at a time
Some $50 million for the latest home energy tech aims to help consumers save money by controlling car charging, solar panels, batteries, hot water and aircon.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
nuclear power
politics
Aussies cooking with gas not nuclear under network plan
Renewable energy and more gas is the cheapest way to power a net-zero economy, with electricity demand tipped to double by 2050 as homes and cars go electric.
Hundreds of high-end EVs recalled over battery fault
More than 1400 luxury electric vehicles have been recalled in Australia over a fault that the regulator warns could cause serious accidents.
Riders urged to recycle e-bike batteries amid fire risk
Australia's battery recycling scheme has started accepting lithium batteries from e-bikes and e-scooters and is urging riders to research their disposal.
Australia’s organic rules a hot mess for consumers
Australia's regulation of organic products is laughable by world standards and the result is a legion of confused consumers, advocates for change say.
computing and information technology
consumers
internet
online
politics (general)
science and technology
social issue
social issues (general)
social problems
technology (general)
Lies, bad ads, no rules – social media under scrutiny
Academics at six universities are teaming up to create a national body to investigate online misinformation, social media risks and missing regulations.
Why all smartphones are adding artificial intelligence
Apple has revealed plans to put ChatGPT in iPhones and, with Google and Samsung embracing AI tools, experts say they will soon be ubiquitous.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Not the size of the energy build, but how we use it
Many households are reducing their carbon footprint but without efficient homes or smart meters they may not be getting the best value out of clean energy.
Australian workers lead AI race but do not trust it
More office workers are testing artificial intelligence technology in Australia than in many other nations, a survey has found, but most do not trust it.
air pollution
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumers
energy (general)
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
renewable energy
road transport
transport
Electric cars are not the only fix for green transport
Governments will need to look at more than just electric vehicles to make significant transport emission cuts, modelling from Monash University says.
Voters want a ban on AI election ads to stop deepfakes
Most Australians worry artificial intelligence technology will be used to mislead voters and would like to see it banned from political ads.