Freeze on home efficiency standard cops political heat
A coalition plan that would stop changes to energy efficiency standards for buildings over a decade has been criticised for stopping climate change action.
economy, business and finance
Grey area: questions over Sunshine State’s green future
Queensland could revert to coal central as calls grow for a power plan from the energised LNP, days out from voters heading to the polls in the Sunshine State.
Qantas braces against carbon neutral greenwash claim
Australia's biggest airline has been referred to the consumer watchdog amid accusations it is misleading passengers about its green credentials.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Aussies paying more as rents spike across the nation
Australian renters are paying thousands more to keep a roof over their heads as rental costs for units and houses continue to balloon since the pandemic.
Inflation green shoots could spell earlier rates relief
A cooling rental market and slower pay growth hint at a disinflationary pulse some economists hope could deliver borrowers an early Christmas present.
Debit card surcharges could be scrapped in crackdown
Surcharges on debit card purchases could become a thing of the past by 2026, but some groups are warning the fees could be imposed in other ways.
Telstra board to reflect on backlash over executive pay
A significant number of Telstra shareholders voted against the telco's remuneration report, in part because of issues related to its enterprise division.
Stage three tax cut spending spree yet to surface
Fans splashed out on footy finals in an otherwise slow month for consumer spending, which is yet to show a bounce from tax cuts that came into effect in July.
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Small businesses are fighting with tech giants after being locked out of accounts or waiting for payment and want a reboot on how their complaints are handled.
Dodgy subscription traps and hidden fees to be banned
A slew of manipulative sales tactics, including subscription traps and hidden fees, are in the federal government's sights.
Slow economic growth set to continue into 2025
While there may be a slow uptick in economic growth in the near future, it will remain subdued into the 2025, a survey has predicted.
‘Climate action pays’: call to rev up clean investment
There can be winners in the clean energy race, a group of super funds says, rolling out a campaign to quell community fears and accelerate development.
More pain at the petrol pump as oil prices spike
Conflict in the Middle East is having a flow-on effect for Australian fuel prices but petrol stations have been cautioned not to take motorists for a ride.
New merger laws to shelve ‘damaging’ supermarket deals
The competition watchdog will have to be notified of every supermarket merger to prevent major players from gaining an unfair advantage.
China seeks deeper economic ties with ASEAN at summit
Beijing has brought a call for deeper economic ties with Southeast Asia to ASEAN's summit, where disputes about the South China Sea overshadow proceedings.
‘Get on with it’: renewables rollout too slow out west
The renewables rollout is not happening quickly enough in WA, a summit has been warned, with leading proponents of clean energy exports calling for targets.
Property market eases past $11 trillion, investors busy
Australian homes are worth more than ever but the annual pace of growth has slowed rapidly in the past three months.
‘First light culture’ to awaken predicted tourist boom
An ambitious tourism target has been set for NSW, but extra capacity and the right branding will be needed to deliver on the goal.
Hands off: Labor eyes privatisation fight over NBN
The federal opposition has been challenged to reveal its position on the future of the $51 billion NBN after Labor introduced laws to keep it publicly-owned.
Spring brings brighter outlook as rate hike fears fade
As signs of improving consumer and business confidence emerge, economists are speculating the Reserve Bank might be shifting its thinking on interest rates.
Australia urged to see how environment, economy connect
Australia is refusing to see connections between the environment and economy, as a summit explores ways to value nature instead of incentivising destruction.
Woolworths lands apartment tower deal for prime site
A vacant inner-city site bought by Woolworths' development arm in 2020 will become a multi-storey apartment complex anchored by the supermarket.
‘Don’t agree on everything’: leaders divided on nuclear
Queensland is on track for an LNP government but that doesn't mean Peter Dutton would be able to bank on the state's support for building nuclear power plants.
Household spending flat despite retail boost, tax cuts
The economy is still struggling along with flat household spending despite an uptick in retail turnover and income tax cuts beginning to flow.
Calls for sweeping review after another mining death
The death of another mine worker in Australia's largest coal-producing state has sparked calls for an industry-wide review of safety practices.
High-density issues hurting Australia’s housing goal
Unless Australia can significantly lift the pace at which it is building new homes, a nationally-agreed target to solve the housing crisis looks at-risk.
Users still frustrated despite falling telco complaints
Telcos still have work to do to improve customer service with delays in fixing problems and service fees among the top complaints, the industry watchdog says.
Generation dread: Aussies unprepared for money shocks
Most Australians are unsatisfied with their finances, with just one quarter equipped to handle unexpected money issues, a survey has found.
Retail trade springs back after warmer weather
A hotter-than-average August and Father's Day sales has led to a spike in retail sales, with more people taking advantage of the outdoors.
$10 billion Indigenous business milestone celebrated
Indigenous businesses have won more than 71,000 commonwealth contracts, representing $10 billion in government spending over the past nine years.