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.
economic policy
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.
economic policy
economy, business and finance
election
political campaigns
politics
politics (general)
Dutton promises back-to-basics economic election plan
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to rein in unnecessary spending and get the budget back on track if the coalition wins the next election.
Treasury boss backs the young to navigate housing mess
The ever-increasing cost of housing is one of the big challenges facing young people but their future is not bleak, the Treasury secretary says.
Consumers tipped to stash tax-cut savings for rainy day
Australians plan to stash their stage three tax cut cash, a key cost of living relief measure in the budget, in promising news for inflation
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer issue - lifestyle and leisure
consumer issue - macro economics
economic policy
economy (general)
road transport
transport
Australia’s love of big vehicles comes with big costs
The popularity of large SUVs and utes is driving higher costs, a report reveals the average household's annual spending on transport has risen by 10 per cent.
Baby bonus resurrection off the cards, says treasurer
The federal treasurer acknowledges some people can't afford to have more children and is committed to helping families to do so, if that's what they want.
Crocodile cuddles as regional leaders snap family photo
Australia will launch a $2 billion program to turbocharge trade with Southeast Asia, as regional leaders get up close and personal with crocodiles and koalas.
Aussies to keep more of what they earn as tax cuts pass
Low and middle income earners are guaranteed bigger tax cuts after changes championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cleared federal parliament.
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.
‘We’ll see’: Albanese throws down gauntlet on tax cuts
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is putting pressure on the coalition to back Labor's stage 3 tax cut changes, as federal parliament returns for the new year.
Dutton signals support for Labor’s changes to tax cuts
Australians in need of greater assistance are soon expected to get some relief, with signs the coalition is unlikely to oppose reworked tax cuts.
Albanese tax plan will give average earner $1500 tax cut – more than double Morrison’s Stage 3
A person on the average annual wage of $73,000 will get a tax cut of more than $1500 a year under Labor’s revamped tax policy – more than double the cut they’d have received under the Coalition’s legislated stage 3 plan.
Middle income earners primed for extra tax relief
The prime minister says middle income earners are at the centre of an income tax overhaul that he will flesh out in a speech on Thursday.
Storm clouds loom for economy as rain, floods take toll
The fallout from severe storms in Queensland could lead to consequences for the economy and budget bottom line, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
NZ government axes $7b in projects as forecasts worsen
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the previous government were "economic and fiscal vandals", revealing a worsening set of economic forecasts.
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.
budgets and budgeting
defence
economic policy
housing and urban planning
indigenous people
investments
politics
social issue
Hints of cooling inflation as next rates call looms
Aggressive interest rate hikes are working to slow the economy, timely measures of price movements and the jobs market suggest.
Why further RBA interest rate hikes are less likely now than even 1 week ago
Since Australia’s Reserve Bank hiked interest rates two weeks ago, there have been two important developments – one in the United States and the other in the United Kingdom. If it’s not clear to you why events overseas influence Australia’s interest rates, which are meant to be set to control Australian inflation, read on.
Australia’s new dawn: becoming a green superpower with a big role in cutting global emissions
The level of renewable energy required by the energy transition will see Australia's power prices fall to some of the lowest in the world.
Calls to cut flight caps to lower prices, boost tourism
Removing a cap on the number of international flights coming into major airports would lower ticket prices and increase quality, an inquiry has heard.
Public sector reforms may spell budget blues for NSW
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey's budget figures could be in jeopardy, with interest rate rises impacting inflation in the year ahead.
Gig workers could be delivered billions in unpaid wages
Gig and labour hire workers could receive billions of dollars in unpaid wages as part of the government's latest raft of workplace reforms.
Burke slams ‘extraordinary’ $9b in total unpaid wages
It will cost employers more to pay workers fairly, the workplace relations minister says, but it is not expected to massively push up costs for consumers.
Budget’s $20b sugar hit won’t be shared with households
Households dealing with cost-of-living pressures are unlikely to get any extra relief despite a budget surplus shaping up to be much larger than forecast.
Monopoly players hinder RBA board’s game on inflation
The challenges faced by the Reserve Bank in seeking to put a lid on inflation will be highlighted at an economics conference in Brisbane.
Philip Lowe still on treasurer’s RBA top-job shortlist
The treasurer expects to make a decision on the Reserve Bank's leadership soon and he says he's picking from a well-qualified pool of individuals.