Billions slashed from rail and road projects
Dozens of state projects have had their funding axed as the federal government scrambles to address a multi-billion dollar infrastructure cost blowout.
economy, business and finance
Jobs market ‘defies gravity’ but weakening on horizon
The unemployment rate moved higher last month but is still well below historical norms, with more jobs added to the economy than expected.
Wall St rallies, data suggests rate hikes may be over
US indices have made their biggest gains since late April amid indications interest rate hikes may be at an end.
Social fabric strained amid growing financial pain
Australia's social cohesion is under pressure on multiple fronts, including financial stress and worsening economic inequality.
Growth forecasts take shine off bumper pay packets
Worker pay packets recorded the biggest quarterly jump in the history of the official wage price index survey, but annual growth is still trailing inflation.
‘Not happy’: states to pay more for infrastructure
States will be required to go 50-50 with the federal government on infrastructure projects, angering premiers who believe the changes are unfair.
Consumers, businesses still wary about the future
Consumer confidence has taken a hit after another round of interest rate pain, with businesses also cautious about the outlook despite economic resilience.
Spending wanes as consumers wait for next big event
Major events have been keeping spending elevated, with consumption in retreat throughout a quieter month.
Goalposts for full employment likely shifting: RBA
The rate of joblessness compatible with the Reserve Bank's inflation target is likely to settle somewhere lower than experienced over the past few decades.
US House Speaker Johnson floats plan to avert shutdown
A temporary funding measure announced by US Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is unlikely to win support from Democrats or the White House.
What Westpac zero deforestation pledge means for ag
A zero deforestation target for agriculture set by Westpac has been described as "enormous" by the conservation movement but condemned by farmers.
RBA’s inflation forecasts edge higher as risks abound
Inflation is still expected to return to the Reserve Bank of Australia's target band by the end of 2025 but is proving to be more persistent than expected.
Record low vacancy rates hit would-be renters hard
It's never been more difficult to find a rental in Australia as a report confirms rental vacancy rates have hit record lows in some capital cities.
Banks pass on rate hikes to thrifty home loan customers
Some mortgage holders are already trimming their spending and working extra hours, with the latest rise to put more pressure on households and the economy.
‘Dark cloud’ warnings over Queensland resources tax
The resources industry has pumped a record $116.8 billion into Queensland's economy but the state government has been warned it could lose investors.
Hundreds of big firms paid no tax in 2021-22
Corporate tax payments broke a record in 2021-22 but the federal government is worried some large multinationals are still not paying their fair share.
NAB customers cut spending, interest rate peak in sight
National Australia Bank has been looking at how its business and personal customers are dealing with rising interest rates, and the news isn't too bad.
More pain for borrowers as big banks pass on rate hike
Three of Australia's biggest banks have hiked interest rates in response to the Reserve Bank's latest cash rate increase.
Cup day rate hike extends finishing line for borrowers
Mortgage-holders have been hit with another interest rate rise as the Reserve Bank intensifies its fight against inflation.
RBA fires off Melbourne Cup day interest rate hike
Mortgage-holders have been hit with another interest rate rise as the Reserve Bank intensifies its fight against inflation.
Photo finish looms for Melbourne Cup interest rate call
Australian borrowers could be hit with another interest rate hike at a closely run Melbourne Cup Day cash rate call.
One in four tired, burnt out nurses planning to quit
A nursing shortage gripping the country will only worsen, with one in four in primary health care planning to leave within five years.
Will they, won’t they? All eyes on RBA Cup Day meeting
Stubbornly high inflation has raised the chances of a November interest rate increase by the central bank, putting more financial pressure on borrowers.
FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of defrauding customers
After 15 days of testimony and just four hours of deliberation, a jury has found FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of defrauding customers.
Pact puts handbrake on ‘defining technology of our age’
A pact on artificial intelligence is intended to protect people from harm without stifling breakthroughs in vaccines, computing and defence.
Net zero policy to draw on national strengths: Chalmers
Critical minerals, battery manufacturing, renewable hydrogen and green metals have been flagged as net zero industry priorities by the federal treasurer.
BHP asserts green credentials despite backlash
BHP says its investment in critical minerals shows it is bringing about the clean energy transition but critics denounce the environmental impact of its mines.
IMF urges higher interest rates to control inflation
An independent assessment of Australia's economy says interest rates will need to lift higher and government effort will be required to bring inflation down.
Housing rebound eyes new mark but rates threat looms
National home prices are about to hit a fresh peak in October, though the pace of growth is starting to slow.
RBA warns of looming financial stability risks
Australia faces a number of emerging risks to financial stability that look quite different to those of recent decades, RBA assistant governor Brad Jones says.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
manufacturing and engineering
mining
politics
High-purity silicon from Townsville to power the world
Silicon for solar panels and batteries will be part of a green precinct for high-tech manufacturing to kickstart new supply chains and end China's dominance.