Tesla chair urges Australia to spark more tech startups
The Australian chair of an electric vehicle giant says the nation must drive tech startups and renewable energy or risk being left behind.
economy, business and finance
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
natural gas
politics
How to make net zero happen: ‘Get on with it and adapt’
Nuclear power is too expensive and slow to build, while offshore wind will be crucial to achieving climate and energy targets, a net zero report finds.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy resources
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
natural gas
politics
Alumina refinery trial swapping gas power for hydrogen
The federal government is contributing $32 million to a trial project swapping gas for hydrogen to power the emissions-intensive alumina refining process.
EU trade talks stall as Australia holds out for farmers
The Australian government remains hopeful of striking a deal with the European Union on free trade, as the latest talks stall.
More rate rises ‘possible’ but RBA’s course uncertain
The head of the Reserve Bank says more interest rate rises are possible to get inflation under control, but the July pause was appropriate.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy resources
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
natural gas
politics
Federal backing for Rio Tinto refinery hydrogen pilot
A refinery in Gladstone will get a federal grant for a renewable hydrogen project that is key to the decarbonisation of Queensland's industrial heartland.
Budget repair not leaving households behind: Treasurer
Struggling households should not expect extra cost of living relief soon but the treasurer has not ruled out more help if the economy deteriorates markedly.
Warning for businesses as defaults reach record high
Business trade payment defaults have surged to a record high as surging interest rates constrain spending, sounding insolvency alarms in the months ahead.
‘More work required’ as EU, Australia fail to reach FTA
Australia and the European Union have failed to reach a free trade agreement, the European Commission says, and "more work is required" to address key issues.
Rates and inflation keeping clamp on consumer sentiment
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Consumers are not buying RBA’s interest rate pause
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Relief for tenants as rental availability frees up
Renters may be finding it a little easier to find a home as vacancy rates ease across every capital city except Brisbane.
Few plan to spend tax returns as economy stalls
Fear of a slowing economy and direct financial pressures are weighing on taxpayers, with most planning to bank their tax returns or service debts.
Victorians to pay the country’s most property taxes
A report has laid bare the extent to which both the Victorian and NSW state budgets depend on property taxes.
Thinking behind Reserve Bank’s ‘hawkish pause’ on show
Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe will this week give a speech after keeping interest rates steady in July and the big four banks will be grilled by politicians.
Renters at risk of stepping off ‘affordability cliff’
Tenants still face sharp price increases but easing vacancy rates suggest rental growth may be losing steam.
Court backs green light on Narrabri coal mine expansion
Climate activists say a court's decision to dismiss their bid to stop Whitehaven's Narrabri coal mine expansion was "out of step with community expectations".
Bad bosses face jail if SA industrial death laws pass
The South Australian parliament will consider proposed laws to make industrial manslaughter a criminal offence with a maximum 20-year jail term.
Pause in interest rate hikes no salve for mortgage pain
More mortgage holders are likely to miss repayments despite the RBA pausing rates, yet analysts say robust lending rules should keep a lid on delinquencies.
Relief as Reserve Bank hits pause on interest rates
Borrowers will welcome a break from interest rate hikes as Australia's central bank opts to keep the official cash rate steady at 4.1 per cent.
Fruit and vegetable grower Costa confirms takeover bid
Shareholders of Costa Group could receive a healthy financial boost after the fruit and vegetable grower confirmed it received an unsolicited takeover offer.
RBA opts for pause as hikes wash through economy
The Reserve Bank has kept interest rates steady with light appearing at the end of the tunnel for mortgage holders in the fight against inflation.
Dozens of families lose out in home-builder’s collapse
A liquidator has revealed dozens of families are in limbo and others have lost thousands after the collapse of Melbourne home-builder Bentley Homes.
Jobs slashed as miner Aurora enters administration
Liquidators have been appointed to administer struggling miner Aurora Metals' Queensland assets, with the future of 45 employees in the balance.
Tight squeeze in mortgage belt as hikes hit hip pockets
The prospect of another rate hike is heaping pressure on a growing number of mortgage-holders struggling to meet their repayments.
Expert unit tackles ‘scamdemic’ bilking Aussie millions
While the federal government has assembled a team of scam-busting experts to target investment swindles, a consumer group says alternative action is needed.
Fresh support for Porter Davis customers who missed out
The Victorian government has extended its support scheme for Porter Davis customers who were left out of pocket when the company went into liquidation.
Mini-home building boom might be ready to splinter
Fresh data points to a rise in home-building, an uptick in housing lending and recovering property prices - but storm clouds are gathering.
Moon mining: ground zero for doing things differently
Mining on the moon is starting small as Australia and NASA prepare to develop self-sustaining habitats to support a giant leap to Mars.
How to blast rocks and negativity into prosperity
Chemicals giant Orica expects to be a winner in the latest boom because miners need tech to find new ore and explosives to blast critical minerals out of rock.
Home builder Bentley Homes slides into liquidation
Melbourne-based Bentley Homes has collapsed, citing economic pressures, with the builder abandoning further works.