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.
economy, business and finance
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.
Notorious crash highway Qld’s most despised road
Queensland's major arterial Bruce Highway, that's been the subject of much political debate, has been ranked as the Sunshine State's most hated road.
Vanguard hit with record fine over $1b ‘ethical’ fund
Vanguard has been hit with the largest fine imposed in Australia for greenwashing, as a court ordered it to pay $12.9 million for financial misconduct.
Impact of US rate cut in Australia remains to be seen
Senior minister Bill Shorten says it's unclear how much of an impact the US Federal Reserve's interest rates cut will have on Australia's economy.
Healthy jobs numbers to keep RBA on the sidelines
Australia's economy may be limping along but jobs are still going, although mostly part-time gigs and predominantly roles in the public sector.
US central bank cuts rates by half a percentage point
The US central bank has announced its first interest rate cut in more than four years, lowering rates by 50 basis points.
More workplace changes off the table before poll
Workplace Minister Murray Watt says the priority for the remainder of this term is bedding down legislation and not making further changes.
Business leaders eye economic light at end of tunnel
Corporate leaders report feeling upbeat about their firms and the broader economy as the business lobby takes aim at anti-business sentiment.
Defence scientists ready for China’s ‘grey’ warfighting
Defence science is proving crucial as smaller powers stand up to China and Russia but can also be used to deter war in an increasingly uncertain future.
Let’s do business: PM reform plea to corporate leaders
As the prime minister comes under fire from a peak corporate sector lobby, he says business and government need to work together for crucial reforms.
Beef-loving US can’t get enough true blue red meat
Beef exports to the United States have taken off and South Australia is leading the way, with almost $200 million worth sold to the American market this year.
‘Undisciplined’ spending in opposition’s sights
Several industry-shaping programs could be axed were the coalition to win the election, with Labor questioning its commitment to essential services.
Australian energy industry report slams Greens gas plan
A report commissioned by Australia's oil and gas industry says blackouts would hit millions of homes under a Greens gas investment plan.