Rental vacancies ease as political housing brawl stirs
A small lift in vacancy rates offers a ray of sunlight for renters as challenges in the housing market become a sharper focus for the major political parties.
economy, business and finance
New copper mine for Qld’s ‘energy transformation’
A copper mine in Queensland's north has been granted a lease to begin operations, expanding the life of the site for another 10 years.
‘Massive incentive’ to replace diesel with hydrogen
Hydrogen-powered transport could give diesel-powered cars, utes and trucks a run for their money and reduce Australia's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Loosening jobs market eases pressure on Reserve Bank
The Australian jobless rate has moved higher to 4.1 per cent despite a stronger-than-expected 38,500 employment increase.
Dutton pledges to slash migration to fix housing crisis
Peter Dutton has laid out a plan to get Australia "back on track" in his budget response that would crack down on migration and international students.
Graincorp half-year profit falls 75pc to $50 million
Graincrop has had a "resilient" six months given falling grain prices and poor growing conditions in the northern half of eastern Australia.
Antarctic mission and Great Barrier Reef secure funding
Australia's research in Antarctica has been boosted, with Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek saying it will better protect our natural world.
Economists warn budget could ‘poke inflationary bear’
Loosened purse strings cast doubts over the inflation-fighting credentials of the Albanese government's third budget, which also points to a weakening economy.
Treasurer backs rebates for all in cost-of-living fight
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended the use of $300 energy rebates for all households in the federal budget, despite calls to means test the measure.
Wages still outpacing inflation, silver lining for RBA
Workers enjoyed a pay-packet bump in the March quarter but a drop in the wage price index has eased fears wages are contributing to inflation.
Off-ramps built into Labor’s future industries agenda
Another era of prosperity is at the heart of the government's new industry plan, yet much hinges on its design to ensure taxpayer funds are used wisely.
Sparks fly over energy bill handouts for the wealthy
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has defended a handout of energy rebates to all households despite calls to have it extended more to those struggling to make ends meet.
Biden says US to hike tariffs on Chinese electric cars
Chinese electric vehicles, computer chips and medical products will become more expensive in the United States, President Joe Biden says as tariffs are raised.
NSW ‘big budget winner’ despite $2b GST cut: treasurer
The reviews are rolling in on Tuesday night's federal budget, with two Australian states split on the support they've received from Canberra.
No ‘glamour’ in Territory’s crime-busting budget
The Northern Territory has unveiled a crime-fighting budget, with cash also splashed to improve schools before an election in August.
Households to get energy bill relief, rent help goes up
Energy bill relief and more rent assistance will form part of a cost-of-living package in the federal budget to help Australians struggling to makes ends meet.
Government defends faster inflation fall than RBA
Inflation will be back within the Reserve Bank's target range a year earlier than the bank has predicted, based on government budget figures.
Chalmers threads budget needle with difficult economy
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is confident he can beat inflation in the near term while gearing up for growth in a low-carbon world in his government's third budget.
Treasurer promises more relief alongside tax cuts
With long-awaited stage three tax cuts set to drive cost of living relief in the budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has given an assurance more help is coming.
Industry rebuffs calls to slash fossil fuel subsidies
Fossil fuel subsides are increasing and undermining Australia's climate efforts, a think tank says, but energy producers insist they're paying plenty of tax.
New resources tax not a ‘fair return’ for Australians
A parliamentary inquiry has ruled in favour of offshore petroleum tax changes but critics say Australians will still not get a fair return on their resources.
CSIRO bloods red meat powder to beef up drinks, snacks
Scientists have developed a red meat powder to boost drinks and snacks as part of a plan to target the health and wellness sector and meet demand for protein.
Jobs boom beats expectations but weakness incoming
Australia's workforce is expected to keep getting bigger even as the economy slows, forecasting excerpts from the upcoming federal budget show.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
international (foreign) trade
natural gas
politics
‘Unsafe future’: Australia commits to decades more gas
Critics say a plan to lock in gas as a long-term source of energy and export revenue will damage the environment and blow up Australia's climate targets.
‘Nation-leading’ WA budget splurge fired by big surplus
WA has rolled out a "nation-leading" state budget, with billions of dollars to help families, boost housing supply and diversify its mining-led economy.
Refineries pumped on high-value, ultra-low sulphur fuel
Upgrades are on track for producing ultra-low sulphur fuel suitable for the latest European and American cars, an Australian refiner says.
Cost of living, net-zero industries focus of May budget
The third federal budget under the Albanese government will be handed down on Tuesday and a number of measures have already been unveiled.
Air Vanuatu cancels Australian flights amid cash woes
The national airline of Vanuatu has cancelled all its flights to and from Sydney and Brisbane for the rest of the week amid reports of financial difficulties.
‘Under the pump’: expenses help for battling families
Cost-of-living support will be a key focus in the Albanese government's third federal budget, which will be handed down next week.
Rates on hold but RBA ‘vigilant’ to inflation risks
Mortgage holders have been spared more interest rate pain but emerging inflation risks have the Reserve Bank on high alert.
Groceries inquiry backs breaking up major supermarkets
Supermarket price gouging should be illegal and there must be laws to break up major retailers that abuse their market power, a Senate committee has found.