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.
economy, business and finance
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.
Travellers to fly for less if Qatar lands Virgin deal
More routes more often and increased use of frequent-flyer miles are predicted if Qatar Airways is allowed to take a large slice of Virgin Australia.
More borrowers falling behind but better days are ahead
Some households are doing it tougher due to high inflation and interest rates but conditions are about to improve, a Reserve Bank of Australia report says.
Shopping around could help lower grocery prices for all
Aldi shoppers are paying significantly less than Coles or Woolworths customers but the biggest savers could be those shopping across all three.
Treasurer’s rare trade trip recipe for Chinese success
Jim Chalmers is using a two-day visit to China to boost trade ties, as the foreign minister moves to ease diplomatic tensions.
Chips are down as Star posts huge loss, cashes in jobs
Star Entertainment has written down the value of its three casinos by $1.4 billion as its new CEO plots a path to turn around the fortunes of the company.
No clear winner for Australia in US poll: former envoy
Australian businesses could be hurt no matter who wins the US presidency, with flagged economic policies aimed at China potential threats, a former envoy says.
Major supermarkets breached trust, Albanese says
It is "a breach of trust" for supermarkets to behave like this, Anthony Albanese says after Coles and Woolworths were criticised over "misleading" specials.
China stimulus a ‘very good development for Australia’
After iron ore prices plunged by more than a third since the start of the year, Chinese stimulus measures spell good news for the Australian budget.
Failure to inform about missile blast was irresponsible
The lack of warning from Beijing to its neighbours about the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile over the Pacific was "irresponsible".
Fallen star: $500 million wiped from Star on ASX
The value of Star Entertainment has plummeted on the ASX after $500 million dollars was slashed from the casino giant's worth as its shares were unfrozen
Retail sales to show economy continues to sputter along
The Australian economy should show further signs of modest growth in upcoming retail trade figures but investors will be more interested in US jobs data.
Bigger budget surplus not ‘an end in itself’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says a better-than-expected $15.8 billion budget surplus doesn't mean cost-of-living measures have been forgotten.
Australian optimism tempered over Chinese stimulus
Australia has welcomed a major Chinese stimulus as its stalling economy has flow-on effects but the treasurer has warned about being overly optimistic.
Myer’s brand new plan as in-house labels collar profit
Department store Myer is reviewing its operations as tough retail conditions and underperforming in-house brands are blamed for profit dipping 26 per cent.
Rate cut delay bolsters case for experts on RBA board
The RBA's gradualist approach to tackling inflation has left it lagging the world on rate cuts and should make it reconsider its strategy, economists say.
‘Welcome progress’ on inflation to come: Treasurer
Jim Chalmers says while inflation levels are set to drop when figures are released on Wednesday, it remains unclear if it will get back to RBA targets.
Reserve Bank to hold the line despite US Fed cut
The Reserve Bank is unlikely to give interest rate relief to borrowers at the September meeting as Australia's inflation rate still has fight left in it.
War of words over inflation as national debt dives
Australia lags behind western nations in tackling inflation, the shadow treasurer says, as the Reserve Bank mulls whether to lower interest rates.
Renters still can’t keep up, despite more supports
Despite an increase in government supports, low-income earners would still find themselves in rental stress across most of the country, a report has found.
Labor, expert lash ‘crazy’ call to step in over rates
Calls for Canberra to intervene with the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to get financial reforms over the line have been rejected by Labor.
Don’t put money on rates relief soon, borrowers warned
Mortgage-holders should not get their hopes up for near-term relief, says a hawkish Reserve Bank governor as the cash rate was again held at 4.35 per cent.
‘Get your act together’: PM calls out supermarkets
Coles and Woolworths have been told to start acting in the interests of Australians after the consumer watchdog accused them of misleading customers.
‘Unreasonable’ coal taxes criticised by major miner
Queensland's mining industry is at risk because of the government's 'unpredictable' tax policies, Australia's largest coal producer says.
Nukes flayed as solar boost seized to spruik renewables
An increase in renewable energy capacity is being seized as evidence solar power is Australia's right way forward as the debate over nuclear plants heats up.
Rebound fears as energy help flicks switch on inflation
Federal energy bill relief has led to a drop in monthly inflation figures, but there are warnings the measures only caused an artificial reduction.