Hitting the brakes: hybrid sales clouded by tax cut end
A tax concession for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has come to the end of the road and experts say it could affect future car sales and emissions.
economic policy
Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
Labor ‘unashamed’ in pitch for cost of living vote
The federal budget will deliver help for working people, Anthony Albanese declares, as Labor tries to draw the opposition into revealing its hand.
Battle lines drawn over tax cuts as election looms
Universal $5 a week tax cuts are being raced through parliament as debate around cost of living intensifies ahead of the federal election.
Cheaper power bills pledge as Dutton spurs gas supply
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's budget reply has outlined an alternative vision to drive down energy costs and ease pressure on household budgets.
Australia again makes its case for US tariffs exemption
The government has made another pitch to US officials to gain an exemption from American tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium imports worth $1 billion.
Energy bill jolt: price rises power up living cost pain
The threat of further energy bill increases of up to $200 annually following a regulator's decision has put the spotlight back on federal energy policy.
Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy
Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities leverage their native title rights for economic growth will be the focus of a new centre.
Plug-in hybrid car tax breaks about to hit the skids
Drivers have one month left to claim a tax break on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, amid calls for Labor to give the fuel-saving cars more support.
Calls for ‘deeper focus’ on Indigenous economic policy
The federal government must "rebalance and re-prioritise" social and economic policy to help close the gap, a First Nations group says.
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains confident 2025 will be better economically for Australians after struggles with the cost of living.
Coalition’s nuclear plan would hit economy: Chalmers
The coalition's nuclear energy plan will hit the Australian economy by trillions, the treasurer warns, as Labor defends the action taken to lower power bills.
Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts
The Australian economy is growing slowly with government support, with energy rebates effectively transferring household spending to the public purse.
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices
Australia's retail sales enjoyed a boost from an early start to Black Friday discounting and recovering bank balances following tax cuts.
Women written into code: standards target tech workers
Australian technology firms will be urged to test their practices against 10 standards as part of a campaign to encourage more diversity in the field.
Trade, investment centred as world leaders talk in Peru
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing to travel to the APEC summit in Peru for discussions spanning free trade, renewable energy and critical minerals.
Nuclear waste could add billions to energy supply costs
The time needed to build nuclear reactors and the cost of safely storing radioactive waste remain big questions for Australia, an inquiry has been told.
Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
Tax reform may be shunned in state economic growth plan
The Victorian government has been warned businesses will flee interstate if it turns its back on loosening tax settings in an upcoming economic growth plan.
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Freeze on home efficiency standard cops political heat
A coalition plan that would stop changes to energy efficiency standards for buildings over a decade has been criticised for stopping climate change action.
Big business blueprint to nail down housing crisis fix
Quicker approvals and slashing red tape are some of the key measures the business lobby has put forward to improve housing affordability and accessibility.
No negative gearing reform on cards for election: PM
The prime minister has hosed down suggestions Labor will take changes to negative gearing to the election, amid warnings it could hike up rents.
Labor, expert lash ‘crazy’ call to step in over rates
Calls for Canberra to intervene with the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to get financial reforms over the line have been rejected by Labor.
Amazon, Bunnings to face new questions over customers
Executives from major household brands will front an inquiry into competition practices as the nation's leaders aim to make products cheaper for Australians.
Greens’ essential goods cap ‘may lead to shortages’
A Queensland Greens plan to cap prices for essential groceries is set to save households cash at the checkout but an expert has warned it may lead to shortages.
Union warning as ‘killer stone’ ban comes into effect
Union members will be "watching like hawks" to ensure companies don't try to circumvent a ban on engineered stone, the CFMEU national secretary has warned.
PM defends ‘real and substantial’ tax cuts for all
The new financial year has ushered in a range of new laws, including tax cuts despite concerns they could add more pain to households by fuelling inflation.
PM spruiks cost of living measures amid Payman row
The new financial year ushers in a range of new cost-of-living measures that the prime minister insists are responsible in light of inflation challenges.
Greens seek to cap cost of essential grocery items
The cost of 30 essential goods would be capped and linked to wage growth under a policy put forward by the Queensland Greens.