Tourism funding boost to help cyclone-hit towns recover
Towns reliant on tourism will receive help to rebuild with a support package on its way for businesses rocked by Cyclone Narelle.
economy, business and finance
Richest state could fuel up for ‘tough’ times
A cashed-up state government could build its own emergency fuel reserve while still expecting to receive its cut of the national stockpile.
Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade
President Donald Trump says the US Navy will immediately start a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.
Hungary PM Orban out after 16yrs in election earthquake
Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban, a close ally of both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, has lost power after 16 years in office.
Peru election marred by delays as Fujimori leads count
Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, narrowly leads Peru's national election - a vote hit by delays as it heads to a run-off.
Spoils of Iran war to deliver Chalmers a budget boost
The federal budget will be billions of dollars better off, even with added spending, because of higher commodity prices and inflation, a top economist says.
Iran threatens ports as US set to impose blockade
A showdown looms as the US prepares for a blockade of all Iranian ports and Iran warns that no port in the region will be safe if American forces carry it out.
Albanese seeks out fuel supply deal in Singapore visit
The prime minister is hoping an agreement with Australia's largest provider of oil can be reached as the Middle East conflict causes global volatility.
World economy counts cost of war as strait closes again
The economic costs of conflict are greater than severe natural disasters and can leave scars that last for a decade, the world's "financial firefighter" says.
US, Iran weigh ceasefire plan as Trump deadline nears
US and Iran have received a ceasefire plan, as President Donald Trump threatens to unleash "hell" if Tehran doesn't make a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz.
No clear case for longer Iran war with goals won: PM
Australia will join a snap meeting to end disruption to shipping in a critical oil corridor as the prime minister questions the value of a prolonged Iran war.
SpaceX registers to take rocket maker public: reports
SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering in the United States, according to reports.
Major capital home prices slip in two-speed market
Australia's housing market is diverging as the biggest capitals go backwards while growth accelerates in mid-tier cities.
Cafes, hotels take swipe at $1.6b consumer card fee win
The RBA has binned surcharge fees on debit and credit card transactions, which it says will save punters $1.6 billion - if businesses pass on the savings.
Win for younger workers with discount pay rates axed
Workers in retail and fast food jobs will be eligible for the full award wage once they turn 18 after a decision from the workplace watchdog.
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
Wage increases have not been driving recent inflation pressures and low-paid workers deserve a real pay rise, the government says.
Fuel crisis drives Aussies to rethink how they travel
Australians are adapting to rising fuel prices by changing their transport habits, with some ditching their cars even if it adds hours to their commute.
CBA ups inflation prediction as supply chains strain
Australia is staring down the barrel of inflation above five per cent as a result of the Iran oil supply shock, economists from the Commonwealth Bank warn.
Australia to be ‘overprepared’ for ongoing fuel woes
Australians are being urged to use common sense instead of stockpiling petrol and diesel as the government proposes new powers to secure supplies.
Why small business is fighting back against Meta bans
After months of being locked out of her business social media accounts, an Australian hairdresser has finally regained access but she's one of the lucky ones.
Truck tax cut backed as fuel-rationing threat looms
Business groups have urged the government to cut the road-user charge for trucks, but not the fuel excise for all motorists.
Russia’s Ust-Luga port damaged by more Ukrainian drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is seeking support from Gulf states for Ukraine's war against Russia and is offering air defence expertise.
WTO talks end in deadlock after Brazil blocks deal
In a "major setback for global trade", the World Trade Organization has failed to secure a collective decision on e-commerce during talks in Cameroon.
Top forecaster’s dire prediction if Iran war drags on
Australia could enter a recession, with the Reserve Bank raising interest rates a further three times, economists warn as fears of a protracted conflict mount.
The RBA conflict that could decide its next rates call
Australia's central bank must abandon its narrow path and choose between getting inflation down quickly or keeping unemployment low, economists say.
Calm before storm: RBA braces for spikes and hikes
The economy is expected to be hit with a savage inflation spike which will in turn increase the chances of more interest rate hikes.
Billions for Rio smelter rescue hailed as ‘slam dunk’
An aluminium smelter will get billions of dollars in government funding to stay open and save thousands of jobs in the latest bailout of a metals manufacturer.
Industry bailouts defended as Iran war smashes markets
Industry Minister Tim Ayres has outlined the government's industry-science strategy, saying global instability and the conflict in Iran demands stronger ties.
Bigger fines for dodgy servos but fuel fears remain
Fresh produce is likely to go up in price as higher fuel costs flow through the nation's supply chains, but relief to petrol shortages is on the way.
Hard time for renters as landlords squeeze tight market
Rising interest rates and living cost pressures mean it will be a tough year for the housing market, and even more so for renters.
Meta, Google lose US trial over social media addiction
A US jury has ruled YouTube and Instagram were negligent in the design of their apps and the companies that own them failed to warn about their dangers.