computing and information technology consumers economy (general) internet science and technology technology (general)

Australian broadband to get a speed boost, but slowly

More than nine million households and businesses could get a significant boost to their broadband connection later in 2024 following fibre upgrades.

auto trends consumer goods consumers energy (general) environmental issue environmental pollution road transport transport

Electric vehicle charging sparks concern among drivers

More than two in three Australians think the nation needs more electric vehicle charging stations even though their number almost doubled last year.

consumers energy energy (general) energy resources energy saving environmental issue lifestyle (house and home) renewable energy

Australia needs more batteries, EVs and electricians

Australia needs to recruit more female electricians, deploy more home solar batteries and connect electric cars to the grid, a Senate inquiry has heard.

banking breaking_news consumers crime, law and justice

ANZ, Suncorp welcome takeover approval as ACCC reflects

ANZ's proposed $4.9 billion takeover of Suncorp's banking arm will proceed after a tribunal found it would not lessen competition but would benefit consumers.

company information consumers economy, business and finance electricity production and distribution energy energy and resource finance (general) transport

Drivers on struggle street fuel Ampol’s ‘mega profit’

Refinery operator and service station chain Ampol has been accused of delaying pump price relief for consumers already stung by a cost of living crisis.

automotive equipment consumer goods consumers fine road transport transport

Mazda fined $11.5m for misleading buyers on faulty cars

One of Australia's most popular car brands has been fined $11.5 million for misleading nine customers about their rights to refunds or replacement cars.

business (general) computing and information technology consumers laws politics (general) safety of citizens science and technology technology (general)

High-risk AI use could be banned by new task force

Using artificial intelligence technology in risky tasks such as social scoring and biometric identification could be banned in Australia by a new group.

consumer goods consumers economic policy economy, business and finance national government

Price gouging is everywhere, on everything, all at once

Leading economist Allan Fels says a lack of competition and exploitative practices are just a few reasons why Australia needs to look more closely at prices.

company information consumers economy, business and finance electricity production and distribution energy energy and resource environmental issue natural gas

AGL Energy back in the black, but sights set on green

AGL Energy insists there is a "very, very competitive" market after bouncing back into profit and reserving billions of dollars to replace coal-fired power.

auto trends automotive equipment consumer goods consumers environmental issue road transport transport

Aussie motorists show a big preference for big cars

SUVs and utes dominated new car sales in January, according to a new report, dwarfing passenger and electric vehicle sales.

alternative energy consumer goods consumers energy (general) fire recalls (products) renewable energy safety of citizens

Solar battery faces compulsory recall after house fires

Australia's consumer watchdog is weighing up whether to issue a compulsory recall for an LG solar battery after 13 fires, including one that destroyed a house.

business (general) computing and information technology consumers internet science and technology technology (general)

Meta reveals plans to launch AI services in Australia

The firm behind Facebook has bold ambitions for artificial intelligence, with Mark Zuckerberg announcing plans to create the world's most popular AI services.

auto trends automotive equipment consumers energy (general) environmental issue pollution renewable energy road transport transport

Summer charging queues down despite rise in EV sales

Public electric vehicle charging soared by 150 per cent during the holiday period, providers say, but better etiquette and greater options kept queues down.

consumers economy, business and finance electricity production and distribution energy politics

Rooftop solar pays its own way as more homes switch on

The Australian solar industry contracted for the first time in 10 years in 2023 as fewer large-scale arrays went online, but rooftop systems continued to shine.

advertising consumers energy (general) environmental issue environmental politics environmental pollution renewable energy road transport transport

Toyota’s electric adverts spark confusion claims

An environmental group is calling on Australia's consumer watchdog to investigate Toyota over the way it advertises hybrid vehicles.

computing and information technology consumers regulatory policy and organisation science and technology software technology (general) telecommunication equipment wireless technology

Picture perfect AI phone tools to blur lines of reality

Generative artificial intelligence can create stunning content but experts warn strict rules are needed to ensure viewers know what's real and what's fake.

consumers economy, business and finance electricity production and distribution energy environmental issue politics

Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters

Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.

consumers economy, business and finance

‘Softer’ year ahead as spending and loan growth slow

After a year of surging rental prices and cost-of-living expenses, relief could be on the cards for borrowers with economists raising hopes for a soft landing.

computing and information technology consumer goods consumers road transport science and technology technology (general) transport

Need ChatGPT in the car? Crazy vehicle tech at CES 2024

From cars driven by game controllers to vans you can turn into utes, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is giving a preview of an unusual future.

agriculture consumer confidence consumers farms food - consumer goods livestock farming

PM pledges supermarket probe will check out all options

A former federal minister will lead a review into the supermarket sector as claims intensify of price gouging by big chains during a cost-of-living crisis.

air pollution auto trends automotive equipment consumers environmental issue pollution renewable energy road transport transport

Uber to serve electric car rides at Australian Open

An electric vehicle ride-sharing service is finally on the cards for Australia after sales of the cars more than doubled during 2023.

christmas consumers retail shopping

Boxing Day bargain hunt after flat period for retailers

Deeper discounts could greet Boxing Day shoppers as retailers look to boost flatter sales ahead of Christmas from interest rate hikes and economic uncertainty.

agriculture consumers economy, business and finance environmental issue food - consumer goods food - process industry manufacturing and engineering

Snacks giant sorted with favourite Aussie ingredients

Fancy crackers, chocolates and lollies shared during the holidays are increasingly being made from local ingredients in high-tech manufacturing hubs onshore.

breaking_news consumers crime, law and justice finance (general) tourism

Airbnb faces $30m bill over Australian dollar confusion

A judge has fined Airbnb $15 million over its misleading and deceptive conduct towards Australian customers, who may get millions more in compensation.

consumer goods consumer issue - macro economics consumers economic policy economy (general) road transport transport

Transport costs accelerate by more than $900 a year

Households in some parts of Australia are paying more than $27,000 a year for transport after costs in the industry rose again.

consumer goods consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure consumers fine law enforcement retail science and technology technology (general)

Not fit for purpose: Fitbit fined $11m for false claims

Australia's Federal Court has issued Fitbit with an $11 million penalty for making misleading claims to customers who complained about faulty devices.

computing and information technology consumers economy, business and finance it/computer sciences science and technology technology (general)

Australia should delay AI laws, productivity boss warns

A business summit has heard Australia should not introduce laws around the use of artificial intelligence or it could risk being left behind other countries.

alternative energy consumers energy energy (general) energy saving environmental issue renewable energy

Households could halve electricity bills with upgrades

Australian households could save more than $2000 a year on energy bills by upgrading older homes, a report says, but some may need subsidies.

advertising consumer confidence consumers environmental issue environmental politics environmental pollution social issues (general)

Consumer advocates call for ban on ‘green’ weasel words

Vague and misleading marketing terms like 'for the planet' should be banned in Australia, according to a report analysing green claims in social media ads.

air pollution consumers environmental issue environmental pollution renewable energy road transport transport

Electric cars cut emissions in half, analysis shows

An online calculator shows electric cars produce as much as 60 per cent less carbon than petrol vehicles and motorists can make deeper cuts using solar power.

consumers economy, business and finance electricity production and distribution energy energy and resource environmental issue politics

Feds ‘supercharge’ clean energy build to keep lights on

Clean energy sources will take over from ageing coal power stations under a supercharged federal scheme, but critics say household bills will rise without gas.