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.
economy, business and finance
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.
Flipping good deal: property profits hit a 14-year high
More than 94 per cent of national home sales in the first three months of 2024 recorded a nominal gain, the highest profitability rate since 2010.
Aussies feel social media fails to stop ‘scam war’
One in five Australians believe social media giants are encouraging scams to occur on the platforms, a new survey reveals.
economic policy
economy, business and finance
election
political campaigns
politics
politics (general)
Dutton promises back-to-basics economic election plan
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to rein in unnecessary spending and get the budget back on track if the coalition wins the next election.
Tax cuts to see families pocket an extra $60 a week
The latest tax cuts will see families with children pocket more than $60 a week on average, Treasury analysis shows.
Nuclear showdown set to atomise federal parliament
Heated debates over nuclear reactors, energy bills and the cost of living will ignite Parliament House as both houses return for the sitting week.
Chilly residents wonder why Australian homes so cold
As more residents take to social media complaining about cold homes, experts warn chilly interiors can impact people's health and wellbeing even if they rug up.
Dutton doubles down on nuclear, sledges PM
The prime minister is a "child in a man's body", Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says, as he ensures nuclear energy policy will be a centrepiece of the election.
Middle East and Europe ‘exemplars’ for nuclear plan
Europe and the Middle East could provide a model for Australia to deploy nuclear energy but its development would be expensive, an advocate admits.
Nuclear conflict brews in coalition over renewables
Australians are being asked to choose between two options for the nation's energy future, but the coalition is already arguing internally over renewables.
Australians dabble with crime as cost of living bites
Thefts of groceries and alcohol are increasing, with police citing the cost of living and high interest rates as factors turning non-offenders to crime.
‘Hoax’: report backing live sheep export ban savaged
Peak livestock and farming bodies have derided a report backing a ban on Australian live sheep exports, saying the inquiry that led to it was a sham.
Home-building surge in tight budget of ‘must-haves’
Record spending on social housing has headlined the Minns government's second budget as the NSW treasurer blames GST changes for rolling deficits.
‘Encouraging signs’: PM lauds improving ties with China
China's premier has wrapped a four-day Australian visit with talks on economic ties and mineral exports as Anthony Albanese hails signs of more stable ties.
Rates on hold yet inflation risks remain on RBA’s radar
The threat of inflation has not been neutralised and the Reserve Bank is still prepared to pull the trigger on another interest rate hike if needed.
Inflation-wary Reserve Bank spells long wait for cuts
Stalling progress on inflation has the central bank on high alert as political sparring continues over the impact of state and federal budgets on prices.
Deals beyond ‘baseline’ pay rise could fuel budget pain
Several unions want worker pay packets to rise beyond the NSW government's offer, but critics warn going further could hurt the budget for years.
Following the money, not hot air, for more wind farms
Australia's green bank and international firms are generating more renewable energy projects, even as the political stoush over the nation's future warms up.
Fears subsidy a ‘quick fix’ for remote cost of living
A discount on essential items in Queensland remote communities has been welcomed, but some residents fear it may not be a long-term solution.
Dutton’s nuclear reactor ‘over budget’ and a ‘joke’
Energy experts have cast doubt on the feasibility of Peter Dutton's nuclear policy, labelling one of the reactor options put forward as "irresponsible".