‘More gruelling, precarious’: climate biting workforce
From disrupted trucking routes to teaching in hot classrooms, the changing climate is already being keenly felt by Australian workers.
economy, business and finance
Rates take back seat to affordability for home buyers
Interest rates might be weighing less on Australians' decision to buy or sell a property, with affordability now ranked as the leading influence.
Mortgage holders ready for relief after past rates blow
The Reserve Bank of Australia board is expected to deliver mortgage holders more hip-pocket relief in its upcoming interest rates decision.
Hopes RBA won’t repeat shock rates hold as board meets
The "Trumpification" of the US Federal Reserve provides an unsettling backdrop to the Reserve Bank's August meeting, where it is expected to cut interest rates.
Year-long inquiry into CFMEU ‘thuggery’ begins
A prominent industrial relations lawyer has kicked off an inquiry into allegations of criminal links and workplace harassment in a construction union.
Smelter owners urged to put more on the table
The federal government has not ruled out any support measures as it calls on a mining giant to step up and save a copper smelter in regional Australia.
Markets plummet as Trump issues more steep tariffs
Global markets are reeling after US President Donald Trump announced his latest slew of steep tariffs on dozens of trading partners.
‘Not right’: Australia urged to wind back tax breaks
Reforms to Australia's tax system have been politically risky, but without urgent action, home ownership could be out of reach for the nation's workers.
Upward spending trend unlikely to shift needle on rates
Splurging shoppers are unlikely to dent the chances of an August interest rate cut, with consumer data tipped to deliver an upward spending trend.
Climate ratings could spare buyers from risky homes
Star ratings for resilience and winding back electric car incentives have been flagged by the Productivity Commission in its pursuit of climate cost savings.
Global consortium has Whyalla steelworks in its sights
The ailing Whyalla steelworks is in the sights of an international consortium with deep pockets and led by Australia's largest steelmaker.
Rivers of gold pour into Kalgoorlie for mining forum
Goldminers were beaming while uranium diggers ran for cover as mining's winners and losers took centre stage at a leading industry conference.
Airbnb hosts say caps won’t shift them to rental market
Short-term rental hosts would be more likely to leave their properties empty than list them on the long-term rental market to aid supply, a survey shows.
Trump threatens steeper India tariffs over Russian oil
US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap India with an even steeper tariff if they continue to purchase so much Russian oil.
Business lobby rejects proposed company tax overhaul
The corporate sector is rallying against calls for a new cashflow tax for businesses, while small companies would have their rate cut under the reforms.
Trump hits dozens of countries with new tariffs
Donald Trump has set new tariffs on a wide swath of US trading partners that will test the sturdiness of American alliances built up over decades.
Star’s sale of Queens Wharf entertainment hub stalled
Star Entertainment Group says it is unlikely to finalise an deal to sell its half-stake in a Brisbane entertainment complex by Thursday's deadline.
Trump says US to impose 25 per cent tariff on India
US President Donald Trump says the United States will impose a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, citing India's tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers.
Brisbane goes for gold with $70b win from 2032 Olympics
The next Olympic Games in Australia is forecast to inject more than $70 billion into the economy over 20 years but an expert has cast doubt over its legacy.
Sweden to host US, China talks on tariff deadline
US and Chinese negotiators will meet in Sweden to discuss extending a deadline to avert higher tariffs, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says.
Has someone asked to ‘rent’ your bank account?
Australians are being urged to swerve requests to rent or buy their bank details, as cybercriminals double down on securing money mules.
Thousands of jobs at risk as miner pleads for support
A major mining company says it may have to mothball two of its operations, putting thousands of jobs in danger, if more government support is not offered.
Indigenous people left ‘out in the cold’ by super funds
Australia's superannuation system is failing Indigenous people with some giving up on their funds due to rigid processes, research has found.
Bank hit with first strike as shareholders push back
Shareholders in Australia's largest investment bank have expressed their concerns over the firm's pay report, resulting in Macquarie's first-ever strike.
RBA not swayed by jobless spike as next rate call looms
Reserve Bank governor Michelle Bullock has pushed back on rate cut expectations and weighed in on Donald Trump's pressure on Fed chair Jerome Powell.
EU may get 15 per cent tariff deal with US: reports
The United States and the European Union are close to a trade deal that would feature a 15 per cent tariff on EU goods imported into the US, diplomats say.
Axing of US beef ban sparks call for independent review
Australia's surprise decision to open the door to more US beef imports has prompted calls for an independent review amid biosecurity concerns.
Trump to make his presence felt at the Federal Reserve
US President Donald Trump will shortly be visiting the Federal Reserve, the central bank led by Chair Jerome Powell, who he's derided as 'a numbskull'
Copper smelter rescue talks approach melting point
Closure of a copper smelter and refinery would be a "national disgrace" says a treasurer calling for their operator and federal government to come to the table.
Aboriginal women’s service tackling financial abuse
A grant of up to $200,000 will help an Aboriginal women's service tackle financial abuse in their community and build independence for survivors.
Trump and Powell bicker over cost of Fed building reno
President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are bickering face-to-face over the cost of the building renovations.