Power prices fall but risks remain for life after coal
Renewable energy and batteries are pushing down wholesale power prices but a report warns they could rise again when coal-fired plants power down.
economic policy
‘Too far, too fast’: alarm as NDIS revamp moves closer
An inquiry report recommending multibillion-dollar cuts to the national disability fund go ahead is being tempered by widespread warnings over the shake-up
WA stares down ‘east coast clowns’ over costly GST deal
Western Australian Premier Roger Cook has promised to fight any move to strip his state of its lucrative GST deal, saying changes could cost it billions.
Liberal senator rebuked for personal policy ‘Odyssey’
The coalition's housing spokesman has come under fire for comments suggesting those on lower incomes should accept living in poorly built homes.
‘Hawkish’ RBA open to more hikes after holding rates
Borrowers are on notice with the Reserve Bank signalling it won't shy away from raising interest rates if inflation comes in higher than forecast.
Tax changes get tick of approval from ratings agency
Tax hikes on property investors will help keep budget pressures under control, ratings agency S&P Global says in a check-up of Australia's fiscal health.
PM hails Labor evolution as members push for change
Taxes on gas and gambling reform will be among items up for debate on the conference floor when thousands gather for Labor's national conference.
UK’s Burnham targets power bills in first move as PM
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham will cut taxes on Britons' electricity bills as he attempts to deliver on his promise to ease the UK's cost-of-living crisis.
‘No resources’: One Nation defends uncosted policies
Pauline Hanson's rising right-wing party has blamed deficient parliamentary resources for the lack of detail about how much its plans will cost.
‘Column of smoke’: coalition launches One Nation attack
An economic blueprint has been pitched by the coalition to win over voters as it warns One Nation won't be able to deliver on its promises to Australians.
Queensland power prices tipped to rise under data centre plan
Queensland power bills could rise 14 per cent by 2035 if data centres are allowed to expand without being required to build their own renewable energy, a new report warns.
Right-wing rivals locked in ‘race to the bottom’: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken a broad swipe at right-wing rivals, telling the Labor Party faithful they are only interested in airing grievances.
Budget delivers more help for under-pressure families
Roads, schools, and hospitals are all set to benefit from the NSW budget as the government looks to provide cost-of-living relief to motorists and families.
Investment overhaul to pass despite ‘taxmaxxing’ claims
Controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax will get a parliamentary green light after Labor made a handful of concessions.
Nationals ape Hanson ‘liar’ slogan as tax debate flares
One Nation could win more than 60 seats if an election were held now, as a fresh poll underscores surging support for the right-wing party.
Premier threatens to name and shame energy retailers
Cost-of-living rhetoric is ramping up ahead of a state budget as leaders deliver warnings to energy companies.
diesel fuel
economic policy
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
petrol
politics
politics (general)
unrest, conflicts and war
More fuel relief for motorists with halfway measure
Motorists will receive an extended discount on fuel but the savings will be lower as the government weighs budget costs against higher bowser prices.
Better but ‘not perfect’ tax reform wins expert support
Senators are being told to drown out the cries of vested interests and pass tax changes some economists say will make the economy fairer for working people.
Poll surge for populists trigger for PM’s tax backflip
Australians believing the economy wasn't working for them forced the federal government to change its stance and implement controversial tax reforms.
breaking_news
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
politics
state budget and tax
Budget relief for families but debt burden soars
South Australians will share in a $500 million package to ease the cost of living as the government insists a $53 billion debt won't spiral out of control.
‘Likely he’s lying’: treasurer points finger at rival
Future generations will be left with a "multibillion-dollar debt bomb" if the coalition repeals proposed tax changes, the treasurer warns.
construction and property
economic policy
economy, business and finance
house building
housing and urban planning
politics
real estate
Labor shrugs off claim tax shift will sink house prices
The government is selling controversial investment tax changes as an attempt to rebalance the playing field between young and old Australians.
Angus Taylor draws ‘battle lines’ in key party address
Liberals leader Angus Taylor has declared his party the only one capable of replacing the Labor government during a key federal council meeting address.
Treasury chief defends Labor’s beleaguered budget
Controversial budget changes would have cut the lifetime tax benefits for the top one per cent of earners by $400,000 if implemented in 2000, Treasury says.
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
Tax changes in the federal budget are already helping to level the playing field, according to the housing minister.
Investor tax cut call as opponents fight Labor plan
A Labor plan to reduce investor incentives has been branded a "productivity tax" as opponents call for lower taxes for those with money to put aside.
Concerns, doubts over Tasmania budget cuts
Rating agency S&P Global says Tasmania's budget repair carries "high execution risk," doubting the government will follow through on $1.47 billion in cuts.
‘Out of touch’: businesses blast ex-PM’s budget backing
Labor luminary Paul Keating has been panned as "out of touch" with the modern realities of owning a business after backing controversial tax changes.
Island state to cut, cut, cut its way back to the black
Tasmania will spend more on servicing debt in 2026/27 than on police, fire and emergency services, showing the scale of the state's borrowing challenge.
Treasurer blames ‘misinformation’ for war on tax change
Critics of the government's capital gains tax changes are being accused by the treasurer of overstating how much extra tax small businesses will have to pay.
budgets and budgeting
construction and property
economic policy
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics
Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals
The government has conceded its budget is unlikely to win immediate support from voters as Labor and Liberals taking aim at each others' policies.