Poll surge for populists trigger for PM’s tax backflip
Australians believing the economy wasn't working for them forced the federal government to change its stance and implement controversial tax reforms.
economy, business and finance
Trans-Tasman ties never better despite tax jibe: PM
The diplomatic relationship between Australia and New Zealand has never been stronger, both leaders insist, despite commentary over recent budget announcements.
Fuel stocks look secure into August as price hike eases
The nation's fuel reserves are flush as petrol prices at the bowser continue to drop, but motorists could be in for a shock when the excise discount ends.
Just a mimic of One Nation: coalition cops Labor serve
One Nation's rise in the polls is no shock to experts who say it's been brewing for years, as the coalition fails to rule out a preference deal with the party.
AI risks deepening divide between investors and workers
The rise of AI could result in a higher share of Australia's economic pie going to people who own assets rather than those who work for a living.
Retailers under attack from weak demand, rising costs
Australia's retail sector faces a pincer attack as the war in the Middle East increases costs and pushes consumers to the brink.
Diesel boost on the water for bottlenecked regions
The federal government has secured additional diesel to help ease Queensland's regional supply bottlenecks.
GDP data tops the economic agenda, RBA officials speak
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock will get a chance to react to Wednesday's economic growth figures when she fronts a parliamentary hearing in Canberra.
Labor shrugs off claim tax shift will sink house prices
The government is selling controversial investment tax changes as an attempt to rebalance the playing field between young and old Australians.
‘Likely he’s lying’: treasurer points finger at rival
Future generations will be left with a "multibillion-dollar debt bomb" if the coalition repeals proposed tax changes, the treasurer warns.
Minimum wage tops $1000 a week, stoking inflation fears
Millions of workers on industry awards will get an annual pay rise and minimum wage earners even more, but economists warn the raises could fuel inflation.
Interest rate impact hits housing approval levels
The number of new homes being approved fell once again during April, and the Reserve Bank is being blamed for the downturn.
Data centre boom fails to boot up lagging economy
A fourth Reserve Bank rate hike is still on the cards for 2026, despite a slowdown in economic growth, falling productivity and high labour costs.
Tardy approvals leaving clean energy dollars in limbo
Australia's most populous state and biggest energy user still ranks among the slowest approval times for renewables, suggesting further reform is needed.
Shifting gears: electric cars surge during fuel crisis
Australian motorists bought a record number of electric and hybrid vehicles for the third month in a row, while petrol and diesel vehicle sales slowed.
Big lottery operator plans to step up the fun factor
The company that runs Powerball believes its digital operations have done a poor job of capturing the fun and joy of playing the lottery.
New data lights up enormity of tobacco black market
New wastewater analysis of nicotine consumption in Australia shows black market tobacco makes up a much larger share of sales than previously thought.
Officials bank on economic slump helping tame inflation
Australia is not experiencing stagflation but higher interest rates will help cool the economy and inflation, the nation's top bank official says.
Budget relief for families but debt burden soars
South Australians will share in a $500 million package to ease the cost of living as the government insists a $53 billion debt won't spiral out of control.
‘Fig leaf’ tariffs blasted as US fires fresh tax salvo
A new round of US tariffs has generated a rare moment of political unity in Australia, with the government and opposition pushing back on the proposed changes.
NZ shuns ‘sugar hits’ in budget, cuts growth forecast
New Zealand has unveiled a bare-bones budget with a projected surplus sooner than expected, but few incentives for voters in an election year.
AFP defends Roberts-Smith arrest as media leak probed
The AFP has denied leaking details of alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith's arrest to the media as it backed its prosecution of the former SAS soldier.
Taco ’bout a bad time: Aussie chain ditches US ambition
Shares in an Aussie-born Mexican fast-food chain have surged after it ditched its plan to crack the competitive US market, where Chipotle and Taco Bell rule.
‘Like a sneeze’: AI data centre boom spreads concern
More organisations are calling for a moratorium on data centres as their impact on water, energy and local communities remains in question.
Trump says Iran peace deal ‘largely negotiated’
The US and Iran are reportedly close to signing a deal involving a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened.
Temporary fall in inflation won’t ease RBA fears
A short-lived reduction in the fuel excise has provided some momentary price relief but inflation will only worsen without a resolution to supply blockages.
Investor tax cut call as opponents fight Labor plan
A Labor plan to reduce investor incentives has been branded a "productivity tax" as opponents call for lower taxes for those with money to put aside.
Rubio says US will find another way if Iran talks fail
US President Donald Trump is hosing down expectations of an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war with Iran.
Power bill relief as energy caps slashed in one state
Cheaper electricity bills are in store for hundreds of thousands of households and small businesses in one state under a lowered benchmark power price.
Forensic experts sift through drone hit dormitory
The final death toll from a drone attack on a teacher training college in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian Luhansk region stands at 21.
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
Tax changes in the federal budget are already helping to level the playing field, according to the housing minister.