Optus says yes to record $100m fine for dodgy sales
Optus has agreed to a record fine for "unconscionable" sales to hundreds of consumers, including in remote Indigenous communities its network didn't cover.
economy, business and finance
Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
Pedal to the metal for home prices as rates fall
Sydney and Melbourne are expected to be the fastest-growing property markets in 2025/26 as mortgage rates fall, Domain forecasts shows.
Treasurer throws down gauntlet for ‘crucial’ tax reform
The treasurer has kicked off a journey that he hopes will result in broad agreement on changes that help solve Australia's economic challenges.
Power customers promised tougher rules on price gouging
More downwards pressure on power bills is the goal of planned tweaks to regulated electricity pricing now on the federal government's agenda.
PM eyes another possible Trump meeting later this month
Anthony Albanese could soon get a second chance to meet with Donald Trump, after the US president abruptly cancelled their first in-person meeting.
Trump wary of EU trade offer while Japan being ‘tough’
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains at a G7 meeting in Canada for trade talks following President Donald Trump's early departure from the summit.
‘You worry’: fears in Iranian community after bombing
Iranians in Australia say there is growing community fear over the safety of family members caught up in escalating violence in the Middle East.
Green tick: Australian net-zero projects to be rated
Environmental projects will be analysed and rated in Australia in a move experts say could prevent greenwashing and encourage international investments.
Middle East conflict ends plan for PM’s key Trump talk
Anthony Albanese will no longer meet with Donald Trump after the US president revealed he will leave the G7 summit before their highly anticipated encounter.
Spotlight on unemployment as jobs market loses heat
Jobs data is set to dominate the economic agenda in Australia, while onlookers expect the Federal Reserve to keep US interest rates on hold.
PM coy on whether Canadian leader gave him Trump tips
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held discussions with Canada's leader as both countries reckon with the impact of the US president's tariff regime.
Transparency boost: Reserve Bank homes in on key change
The Reserve Bank is likely to implement a key outstanding recommendation of a review into its operations, bringing it in line with international counterparts.
Trump arrives for G7 amid trade, political tensions
Donald Trump has arrived in Canada for his first G7 summit since returning to office - and after irking his partners with tariffs and threats of annexation.
Economic summit aims to firm up drooping productivity
Anthony Albanese is confident businesses and unions can find common ground in the quest to improve Australia's ailing productivity.
The Star cries poor, labels $400m fine a casino killer
The Star has said it will not survive being fined $400 million after admitting to lax anti-money laundering measures and courting high-risk gamblers.
Trump says rare earths to flow in new China trade deal
The US will get magnets and rare earths from China under a new trade deal and tariffs on Chinese goods will go to 55 per cent, President Donald Trump says.
Tariff turmoil – World Bank cuts global growth forecast
The World Bank has cut its growth forecast as a result of Donald Trump's erratic trade policies, saying the global outlook has "deteriorated substantially".
Business, union divisions threaten to derail PM summit
The prime minister hopes business groups and unions will unite to address a lagging economy but there are already signs of division before a planned summit.
Industrial disputes drop to lowest level in two years
The number of employees involved in industrial disputes has fallen by more than half during the first three months of 2025.
Latest search ends for missing toddler Madeleine McCann
An area in southern Portugal has been searched for Madeleine McCann, eighteen years since the British toddler disappeared from a resort town.
Musk says some of his posts about Trump ‘went too far’
US President Donald Trump says it "was very nice" of Elon Musk to post a message about regretting some of his criticisms of the president.
Deal gets US-China trade truce back on track: Trump
US President Donald Trump says negotiations with China have resulted in a deal to get the trade relationship between the two countries back on track.
Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces
Falling interest rates are not buoying the spirits of households and firms as fast as hoped, as global economic uncertainty keeps a lid on sentiment.
Musk’s dad says Trump row triggered by intense stress
Elon Musk's father says his billionaire son made a mistake "under stress" and that US President Donald Trump will prevail.
US and Chinese officials meet in the UK for trade talks
High-level trade talks between the United States and China have begun in London.
Vance downplays row between Trump, ’emotional guy’ Musk
US Vice President JD Vance has sought to downplay Elon Musk's criticism of the president as an "emotional guy" who became frustrated.
Republicans laugh off Musk attack on Trump’s tax bill
Republicans are backing Donald Trump's signature tax bill after stinging criticism from Elon Musk and an analysis showing it will blow out US debt.
‘High risk’: The Star’s $167m credit to money launderer
The scale of The Star casino's enabling of billions of dollars in risky transactions, including from at least one money launderer, has been exposed in court.
Trump, Xi agree to more talks to settle trade disputes
US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have spoken at a time when stalled tariff negotiations have roiled global trade.
The Star faces $400m implosion over crime concerns
Backpacks full of cash, concealed transactions and gamblers with criminal links were ignored by The Star casino, which faces a fine of $400 million or more.