Aussie mining ‘under assault’ from China: US ambassador
Ambassador Caroline Kennedy has taken aim at China's "unchecked exploitation" of Indonesia and other nations that risks destroying the supply of clean minerals.
economy, business and finance
Jobs market holds ground despite rise in unemployment
The official jobs data was more subdued in March as widely expected following a surprisingly strong February result.
Extreme weather sparks higher wholesale energy prices
Some of the most extreme weather Australia has ever seen is proving to be the "X-factor" for power bills as wholesale energy prices rise.
BHP’s energy coal fires up, axe swings over nickel jobs
Thousands of workers face uncertainty as BHP considers the fate of nickel operations amid a global glut of the metal, but coal for power plants is firing up.
Jail threat, apologies as supermarket chiefs face probe
The head of Woolworths was threatened with jail time while the Coles CEO apologised to suppliers during a parliamentary inquiry into supermarket prices.
Call for home battery cash to support solar milestones
Solar power is breaking records, and reigniting calls for a home battery saver program of up to $6500 to allow households to get more value from their rooftops.
Two cryptocurrency companies collapse owing $160m
Two separate Australian cryptocurrency companies have collapsed while federal court proceedings are being pursued against the directors of the businesses.
agriculture
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
politics
Deeper cuts to carbon emissions under draft 2035 target
Australians will compete for public funds, electricity supply and land access under plans for the nation to cut its emissions by up to 75 per cent by 2035.
Build-to-rent piece of housing puzzle but no quick fix
Homes purposefully built for renting long term could help boost rental supply in the future but the emerging model is no silver bullet nor a short term fix.
Made in Australia: PM manufactures clean energy vision
A blueprint has been unveiled to keep Australia in a "global race" and could involve taxpayers funding major manufacturing and clean energy projects.
Future made in Australia: PM’s plan for manufacturing
A plan to boost locally made resources and jobs, especially in green energy, in Australia will be unveiled by the prime minister.
Renters hit with steepest quarterly hike in 17 years
The price pressures on renters intensified in the first months of 2024, with the sharpest quarterly increase in nearly two decades recorded.
Floods, rental crisis leaving tenants in the lurch
Tenants should be insured for alternative accommodation and warned if a property has been through a flood before signing a lease, a tenancy advocacy body says.
Lobbying ‘essential’ to democracy: anti-corruption boss
Lobbying has long been viewed with distrust but the NSW anti-corruption commissioner says it is necessary and can serve the public interest when done well.
Hefty fines, tougher code could cut grocery prices: PM
Shoppers could pay less for groceries under plans to impose heavy financial penalties on supermarkets that fail to comply with a code of conduct.
‘Logical’ for Japan to partner with AUKUS security pact
The federal government says it's "logical" to work with Japan on defence technology projects.
Calls for Amazon, Costco to fall under code of conduct
Grocery giant Woolworths is supporting recommendations to make the supermarket code of conduct mandatory but says it must apply to other retailers as well.
Japan partnership an ‘evolution’ of AUKUS: PM
As AUKUS partners plan to work with Japan on technology sharing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the security pact will not grow to four countries.
Residents waiting years on claims after 2022 floods
Queenslanders whose homes were damaged two years ago in disastrous flooding say they are still waiting on claims to be finalised or repairs to begin.
Coles, Woolworths bosses set for Senate showdown
The heads of Coles and Woolworths will be grilled by a Senate committee examining supermarket prices as debate rages about the power of the two retail giants.
Treasurer has eyes on mandatory company merger regime
The biggest shake-up of merger rules in years will force businesses to disclose proposed takeovers and fast-track proposals that won't threaten competition.
‘Hit and miss’ merger rules reworked in major shake-up
Sweeping changes to merger rules have been welcomed by the national competition regulator and received a wary but hopeful response from big business.
Future made in Australia: PM’s plan for economic growth
A plan to boost locally made resources and jobs, especially in green energy, in Australia will be unveiled by the prime minister.
Home building muted yet rate cuts could spur activity
The pace of home building, as shown by official dwelling approvals data, continues to lag behind strong demand for housing.
Musicians singing the blues in an underpaid industry
As the nation's live music sector struggles to bounce back post-pandemic, a survey has revealed the extent to which musicians are being short-changed.
Wage and energy bills prompt ‘cost-of-trading crisis’
Soaring wages, energy and insurance bills are hurting Australia's retailers, as the sector's peak body calls for relief to help businesses stay afloat.
A-Leagues avoid TV fiasco but financial worries remain
The A-Leagues have avoided the embarrassment of being booted off TV after an 11th-hour deal following the collapse of the APL's television production partner.
Swift blip hides weak consumer that bodes well for RBA
Cost-of-living pressures are forcing consumers to rein in their spending across most goods and services to afford one-off cash splashes.
Festivals probe tackles not so splendour music scene
A federal bid to help salvage Australia's live music scene has been launched after Splendour in the Grass cancelled its July event.
SA uncorks support to bolster wine exports to China
The SA government has unveiled a package to help winemakers return to China's huge market with the lifting of punitive tariffs.
Reserve Bank’s shift to neutral likely to be reinforced
The central bank will be in the spotlight this week, when high ranking officials give policy speeches and the minutes of the last rates meeting are released.