‘No smoking gun’ to hike rates though prices risks lurk
The path to beat inflation without tanking the economy is getting narrower, the Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed in minutes from its last meeting.
economy, business and finance
Aust, NZ fund Solomons airfield in development race
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed a $55 million investment in Seghe Airfield that could unlock the region's tourism potential.
Sombre retail sales likely as consumer pain persists
Prising open wallets has been tough as tough financial conditions batter households and retail sales figures are likely to show a continuation of the trend.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
Renter relief finally hits with more cooling in sight
After months of fast-rising rents, momentum is starting to tip in favour of tenants as more homes become available.
President Adeang backs Nauru’s switch to China
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Adeang: China support can ‘transform’ Nauru
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Pacific’s dwindling banking services in the spotlight
The first Pacific Banking Forum will investigate why banking services are dwindling in the region and consider how to ensure a sustainable financial system.
Next stop … good public transport that actually works
Australia's suburbanites are too often relegated to a life of car-dependency that is polluting the climate and leaving streets more congested and less safe.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Forum seeks fix for Pacific’s sinking banking services
The driving forces behind banking services cuts in the Pacific and how to prevent a mass exodus is being investigated at an inaugural forum in Brisbane.
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
Funding injection to help keep banks in Pacific
The federal government will inject millions into shoring up banking services in the Pacific, with the treasurer urging Australian banks to stay in the region.
Gas before nuclear ‘thought bubble’ in net-zero race
More gas will keep the lights on in Australia's most populous state but nuclear power remains a pipe dream, the NSW energy minister says.
Pacific banks to be boosted with federal funding
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged Australian banks to stay in Pacific nations, with $6.3 million set aside to provide support to the finance sector in the area.
Pacific banking bolstered with federal $6 million boost
Banking services in Pacific nations will be strengthened with $6.3 million from the federal government, as Australian financial services are urged to stay.
Gas before nuclear ‘thought bubble’ as coal reign ends
Gas will keep the lights on in Australia's most populous state, the NSW energy minister says, while dismissing a proposed nuclear power option.
Smart meters to keep the lights on, one home at a time
Some $50 million for the latest home energy tech aims to help consumers save money by controlling car charging, solar panels, batteries, hot water and aircon.
Vow to fix issues as report faults power firm for blast
Queensland's government vows to fix issues that contributed to a power plant explosion after a draft report identified failings by its state-owned operator.
Tourism bouncing back with record visitor spending
International visitors are spending the most since 2019 as the tourism industry inches closer to recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
nuclear power
politics
Aussies cooking with gas not nuclear under network plan
Renewable energy and more gas is the cheapest way to power a net-zero economy, with electricity demand tipped to double by 2050 as homes and cars go electric.
Nuclear push would drag out energy transition, PM warns
Anthony Albanese will use a major economic speech to hit out at opposition nuclear plans, saying they risk stalling progress on meeting net-zero targets.
Industrial-scale change gives energy to small producers
Less obvious sources of greenhouse gases - including wine and pet food producers - have been awarded grants to lead the way in reducing industrial emissions.
Digital systems dethrone cash as dominant payment type
Online payments have surged in the past year to overtake the rate of cash withdrawals at ATMs, research shows.
Cash still king as big business bails out Armaguard
Some of Australia's biggest companies have put their money where their mouth is by stepping in to save cash carrier Armaguard in a $50 million deal.
Worsening rental affordability hurting regions
Renters in the regions are having to find an extra $153 a week to go towards keeping a roof over their heads, on average, compared to June 2020.
‘Catastrophic’ power plant explosion avoidable: report
An explosion at a Queensland coal-fired power plant could have been avoided if safety measures were implemented at the station, a draft independent report says.
Living cost relief, housing top ACT’s budget priorities
Cost-of-living help has been handed to struggling to households in an ACT budget that also vies to tackle the housing crisis and other slower-burn challenges.