New year brings cheaper medicines, higher energy bills
A cut to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment will slash the cost of medicines but Australians face higher power bills in the new year.
economy, business and finance
Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to devastating floods in Asia, it's been a tough year of climate extremes and their economic burdens.
Boxing Day sales take off with bargain airfares
Shoppers are being urged to scrutinise Boxing Day bargain claims, while two major airlines have announced discounted fare sales.
‘Horse has bolted’ on cheap gas, even with reservation
Businesses and households want cheaper gas but it remains unclear how effective a plan to reserve more supply for domestic use will be at lowering prices.
Mega media group merger clears shareholder hurdle
Seven West Media shareholders have overwhelmingly agreed to the TV network's merger with Southern Cross Media, with the union set to be complete in weeks.
Gas reservation promises ‘downward pressure’ on prices
Australia will divert more of its gas for local use rather than export under a long-awaited reservation policy designed to ward off shortfalls.
Australians fleeing south to escape climate extremes
Australians are already on the move due to climate change, with one state the number one choice for those seeking relief from heat, floods and fires.
‘Unconscionable’: major bank’s record fine bumped up
ANZ has been fined $250 million for widespread misconduct and systemic failures that impacted the federal government, taxpayers and thousands of customers.
Bold company tax proposal still friendless after revamp
An alternative corporate tax proposal could have greater economic benefits if a requirement to be budget-neutral was removed, the Productivity Commission says.
Woodside boss quits to become BP’s first female chief
The leader of Australia's biggest oil and gas company has resigned to become the first woman to lead oil giant BP in the company's 116-year history.
Oscars to move to free streaming on YouTube in 2029
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the Oscars will quit its links with a US broadcaster and move to YouTube in 2029.
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
With the government unlikely to restrain public spending, the Reserve Bank will have to lift rates in 2026 to keep inflation under control, economists say.
Penfolds owner’s earnings sour on China ‘grey’ wine woe
Shares in Penfolds owner Treasury Wine Estates plunged after it pointed to a fall in earnings due to problems in China and the US.
Chalmers spins battery blowout into budget savings
Clever accounting has been used by the treasurer to claim the government's policy decisions improved the budget bottom line for the first time in eight years.
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
Half of Australia's big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates at its next meeting as inflation is pushed outside the target zone.
Business chief urges action on racism, anti-Semitism
The outgoing chair of one of the world's biggest commercial explosives makers has pointed to the Bondi massacre as an example of the need to "contain" racism.
U-turn: Ford takes $US19.5b hit, retreats from EVs
Ford is backing away from plans to manufacture large electric vehicles, citing lacklustre demand.
Aussies skipping dental, medical care to afford rent
The housing crisis is changing the way Australians live with many revealing "heartbreaking" stories of struggle as they skip on the basics to make ends meet.
Budget blowout ‘modest’ for Australia’s Olympic hosts
The mid-year budget report card has revealed a "modest" budget blowout as one state continues counting down to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Savings found in budget update as blowouts add up
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed billions of dollars in savings as other projects in the budget blow out amid "grave" concerns over its bottom line.
budgets and budgeting
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
housing and urban planning
politics
retail
Budget update to reveal Australia’s fiscal fortunes
The federal treasurer says he's booked another $20 billion in savings in the budget update, but is keeping mum on whether that means a smaller deficit.
consumer goods
economic policy
economy, business and finance
food - consumer goods
politics
prices
retail
Price gouging ban will drive up costs: supermarkets
Lower grocery bills are being promised with a price gouging ban but supermarket giants and retailers say shoppers will be the ones to bear the brunt of costs.
‘Not ready’: investors chop down deforestation action
National Australia Bank shareholders have rejected resolutions related to deforestation, but its chairman says he has concerns about the practice.
Mine site emissions new battlefield in coal climate war
Coalminers and environmentalists are clashing over a climate report on the sector finding net-zero emissions targets are unlikely to be hit at the current pace.
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
Belt tightening in order as federal payments balloon
More than $12 billion in program cost blowouts demand tighter spending in other parts of the federal budget, the treasurer is warning Australians.
‘No value’: bank defends dropped no-deforestation plan
Westpac's agricultural customers were clear. Its stand against deforestation is of no value, so the bank dropped plans for a forest protection policy.
Businesses spared rising costs as peace deal struck
Christmas has come early for businesses with a months-long impasse on workers compensation resolved, ensuring insurance premiums do not surge.
Myer hails Black Friday boom as top label nears return
Department store Myer achieved its biggest biggest Black Friday sale performance on record as it prepares to relaunch a fast fashion brand in Australia.
Divided US central bank cuts rate, signals pause
The US central bank has reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months.
Tax reform call as data centre boom plugs in investment
A jump in forecast business investment in the midyear budget update will be unveiled by the treasurer, which bodes well for Australia's productivity growth.