Housing approvals rebound, but still behind targets
The number of dwellings granted approval has hit a five-year high, but national housing levels still lag behind federal targets.
economy, business and finance
Fuel seller eyes massive earnings lift due to conflict
The company that owns one of Australia's two oil refineries says the Middle East war underscores the need to keep that capability, as the conflict continues.
Shares soar as inflation surprise staves off rate hike
Healthcare stocks have led a broad-based ASX rally, after economic figures indicated the Reserve Bank wouldn't need to lift interest rates in August.
Sacked, struggling Qantas staff still wait for payments
Legal delays have prevented workers who were sacked by Australia's largest airline from receiving their share of a small fortune in compensation payments.
Shoddy bank record-keeping hits savers as scammers lurk
Many Australian banks are flying blind when customers ask them to confirm the details of mortgage offset accounts, leaving thousands of borrowers at risk.
Surprise inflation drop eases chance of RBA rate hikes
Inflation figures have come in under the Reserve Bank's predictions, but some economists warn they might not paint a true picture.
Migration plummets from post-pandemic record highs
Political debate continues to rage over migration levels but latest analysis shows the number of arrivals has plunged since borders reopened following COVID.
Energy giant took weeks to respond to major data breach
Almost one million Origin Energy customers are being warned about potential scam activity after their data was leaked in a suspected hack.
‘Too high’: RBA rates warning as inflation fears flare
The Reserve Bank governor says interest rates may need to go higher, as Australia's weak productivity problem locks households in for lower living standards.
‘Build resilience’: refinery touted but discount to end
A study will examine locations for what would be the first refinery to be built in Australia since the 1960s, as a cut to the fuel excise is set to end.
Hard sell for retail giant as consumers tighten belts
Households are clamping down on spending even more as financial uncertainty deepens, hitting sales at a leading Australian retailer.
Casino group still in the red as licence issues weigh
Star Entertainment group is still talking to regulators and state governments over its gaming floor licence woes, after reporting another quarterly loss.
Fuel supply secure despite price alert as war grinds on
The nation's fuel supply remains secure despite the war in Iran but motorists should brace for rising prices as experts warn of extensive economic impacts.
Aussie fashion brand ships manufacturing offshore
A cult fashion brand will shift its Australian manufacturing overseas after years of making clothes with both local and overseas producers.
‘Ludicrous’ US levy slammed for free-trade deal breach
Australian businesses have reacted angrily to the Trump administration's higher tariffs on the nation's exports, as Canberra vows to push for their removal.
Holy guacamole: Aussie avos set to smash supply records
The Australian avocado supply is forecast to smash records after a dip, in a-peeling news for lovers of the Sunday brunch staple.
‘Millionaires’ factory’ boss to leave with almost $1b
Macquarie Group shareholders have backed the pay of its chief executive, who will retire in November with around $881 million in company shares.
Surprise jobs jump gives RBA room to raise rates
A larger-than expected rise in employment will not ease Reserve Bank fears about inflation as rising oil prices compound cost pressures.
Rio Tinto signs deal to cut alumina refinery emissions
Rio Tinto has signed a five-year agreement with SuperChar for bio pellets to explore how it can reduce its coal use in its Gladstone refineries in Queensland.
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.
US strikes Iran again, Iran says oil tankers exploded
The US has conducted a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran as Iran responds by launching an attack targeting Bahrain, the home of the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
Jobs data tops economic agenda as Iran war re-escalates
Resilient jobs data is a bright spot for Australia's economy but the longer the Middle East conflict drags on, the worse the prospect for growth and inflation.
BHP port workers take action in historic Pilbara strike
Port workers have downed tools over a wage dispute with BHP and their union warns more strike action is possible if the mining giant doesn't buckle.
‘End of an era’: 200 jobs lost, unique smelter shuts
The nation's only manganese smelter, which produced material critical to steel manufacturing, will shut after a buyer couldn't be found.
Soaring meth abuse at work prompts warning to bosses
The workplace use of drugs, particularly methamphetamine and cocaine, is rising and remains a real safety risk for employers.
Calls grow for urgent rules to curb AI data centre rush
Delays bringing in new standards for data centres risk leaving a window for big tech companies to avoid stricter environmental regulations, advocates warn.
New rules for AI as critics lash ‘energy vampires’
Australia will introduce laws to govern artificial intelligence and data centres in less than a year, but they can't come soon enough for some advocates.
Trump threatens to shoot down signs of economic rebound
Oil prices are rising again as conflict between the US and Iran reignites, threatening a recent recovery in household confidence and spending.
Gold miner to enter top three after ‘perfect pairing’
Two West Australian gold explorers and producers are teaming up to create one of the nation's biggest gold plays, after an earlier suitor got the boot.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
international (foreign) trade
unrest, conflicts and war
waterway and maritime transport
New Iran, US attacks amid battle over control of Hormuz
The US has launched strikes on Iran hours after Donald Trump vowed to reinstate a blockade, prompting Tehran to respond with missile targeting a base in Jordan.
Zoning scorecard reveals most housing-friendly city
A group campaigning for more housing construction has released an online atlas examining the zoning laws of each capital city in Australia.