Leading bank says budget won’t add to inflation
The federal government's latest budget is not expected to drive up inflation with the biggest bank saying the direction for rates is likely to be downward.
economy, business and finance
Government chose foreigners over farmers: Nationals
David Littleproud has accused the government of not understanding regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Dutton urges migration rethink to ease cost pressures
In the wake of his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stepping up criticism of Labor over the pressures of higher migration levels.
Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
Green hydrogen proponents pumped on vote of confidence
Plans for renewable hydrogen produced with Australian-made electrolysers are closer to commercial reality after the federal budget chipped in $2 billion.
Jenny Craig’s Australian customers, staff await answers
Jenny Craig has gone into voluntary administration after earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Critical minerals in demand but gas remains ‘important’
Mines and gas fields will continue to power national prosperity even as the federal budget accelerates Australia towards net-zero emissions.
Jenny Craig Australia goes into administration
Jenny Craig will go into voluntary administration despite earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
New trade office aims to open doors for SA in Germany
A new trade office for South Australia will be set up in Germany, the state's eighth largest trading partner.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Budget cost shifting not about ‘slash and cut and burn’
The federal government assures its almost $18 billion in re-prioritised spending is sensible and won't drain programs of money they need.
South Australia woos backers for green hydrogen, steel
The world needs South Australian-made green hydrogen, ammonia and steel to meet net-zero emission targets, Premier Peter Malinauskas will tell investors.
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Billion-dollar gas tax plan faces a major hurdle
The opposition wants more detail before backing the government's plan to overhaul the petroleum resource rent tax, while the Greens say it needs to go further.
‘Drover’s dog’ could deliver budget surplus: Coalition
The coalition has rained on any sense of achievement Jim Chalmers might feel if he delivers a budget surplus, saying the test will be if it can be maintained.
RBA flags inflation concern over tighter rental squeeze
The red-hot rental market is one source of uncertainty hanging over the Reserve Bank's plan to hammer down inflation.
‘Missed opportunity’ for Glencore on coal disclosures
Big investors say coal giant Glencore is blocking the full assessment of risk from thermal coal exposure amid the international switch to renewable energy.
budgets and budgeting
coal
economy, business and finance
employment
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
mining
politics
National body to ease shock of clean energy transition
The federal budget will fund a national authority to manage the job losses and opportunities in switching from coal-fired power to widespread renewable energy.
New coal mines plans buried by federal minister
The China Stone Coal and Range Coal projects have been cancelled because the companies involved have not being willing to show how they would protect nature.
Short-term budget bounce but long-term pressures remain
A temporary boost to the budget bottom line will be welcome but fast-growing spending is likely to keep pressure on federal government finances.
Treasurer calls on banks to give rate rises to savers
Jim Chalmers says savers are unhappy that banks aren't passing on interest rate hikes to them as quickly as they are to borrowers.
US central bank lifts rates by 25 basis points
The US central bank has reinforced its fight against inflation by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point to the highest level in 16 years.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
‘Cooking the climate’ with subsidies for gas producers
Record taxpayer dollars paid to traditional energy firms are "cooking the climate" when budgets should be funding action to stop climate change, research shows.
Aged care pay hikes won’t hurt inflation, says minister
A 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers won't lead to a further rise in inflation, the federal government says.
‘Should be shocked’, workers could earn more at Maccas
A major recruitment drive will soon target workers for the childcare sector but they could be earning more money flipping burgers at Maccas.
Retail trade lifts modestly but spending starts to dip
Spending on takeaway food and cafes drove retail sales slightly higher over the month but consumers are dropping less cash on discretionary items.
Aussie shares hit three-week low after RBA hikes rates
Local shares have collectively fallen 0.9 per cent after the Reserve Bank surprised the market with another rate hike.
Reserve Bank hands out surprise interest rate hike
Australia's central bank has lifted interest rates again after taking a break from increases last month and has kept more tightening in play if needed.