More pain at the petrol pump as oil prices spike
Conflict in the Middle East is having a flow-on effect for Australian fuel prices but petrol stations have been cautioned not to take motorists for a ride.
economy, business and finance
New merger laws to shelve ‘damaging’ supermarket deals
The competition watchdog will have to be notified of every supermarket merger to prevent major players from gaining an unfair advantage.
China seeks deeper economic ties with ASEAN at summit
Beijing has brought a call for deeper economic ties with Southeast Asia to ASEAN's summit, where disputes about the South China Sea overshadow proceedings.
‘Get on with it’: renewables rollout too slow out west
The renewables rollout is not happening quickly enough in WA, a summit has been warned, with leading proponents of clean energy exports calling for targets.
Property market eases past $11 trillion, investors busy
Australian homes are worth more than ever but the annual pace of growth has slowed rapidly in the past three months.
‘First light culture’ to awaken predicted tourist boom
An ambitious tourism target has been set for NSW, but extra capacity and the right branding will be needed to deliver on the goal.
Hands off: Labor eyes privatisation fight over NBN
The federal opposition has been challenged to reveal its position on the future of the $51 billion NBN after Labor introduced laws to keep it publicly-owned.
Spring brings brighter outlook as rate hike fears fade
As signs of improving consumer and business confidence emerge, economists are speculating the Reserve Bank might be shifting its thinking on interest rates.
Australia urged to see how environment, economy connect
Australia is refusing to see connections between the environment and economy, as a summit explores ways to value nature instead of incentivising destruction.
Woolworths lands apartment tower deal for prime site
A vacant inner-city site bought by Woolworths' development arm in 2020 will become a multi-storey apartment complex anchored by the supermarket.
‘Don’t agree on everything’: leaders divided on nuclear
Queensland is on track for an LNP government but that doesn't mean Peter Dutton would be able to bank on the state's support for building nuclear power plants.
Household spending flat despite retail boost, tax cuts
The economy is still struggling along with flat household spending despite an uptick in retail turnover and income tax cuts beginning to flow.
Calls for sweeping review after another mining death
The death of another mine worker in Australia's largest coal-producing state has sparked calls for an industry-wide review of safety practices.
High-density issues hurting Australia’s housing goal
Unless Australia can significantly lift the pace at which it is building new homes, a nationally-agreed target to solve the housing crisis looks at-risk.
Users still frustrated despite falling telco complaints
Telcos still have work to do to improve customer service with delays in fixing problems and service fees among the top complaints, the industry watchdog says.
Generation dread: Aussies unprepared for money shocks
Most Australians are unsatisfied with their finances, with just one quarter equipped to handle unexpected money issues, a survey has found.
Retail trade springs back after warmer weather
A hotter-than-average August and Father's Day sales has led to a spike in retail sales, with more people taking advantage of the outdoors.
$10 billion Indigenous business milestone celebrated
Indigenous businesses have won more than 71,000 commonwealth contracts, representing $10 billion in government spending over the past nine years.
Travellers to fly for less if Qatar lands Virgin deal
More routes more often and increased use of frequent-flyer miles are predicted if Qatar Airways is allowed to take a large slice of Virgin Australia.
More borrowers falling behind but better days are ahead
Some households are doing it tougher due to high inflation and interest rates but conditions are about to improve, a Reserve Bank of Australia report says.
Shopping around could help lower grocery prices for all
Aldi shoppers are paying significantly less than Coles or Woolworths customers but the biggest savers could be those shopping across all three.
Treasurer’s rare trade trip recipe for Chinese success
Jim Chalmers is using a two-day visit to China to boost trade ties, as the foreign minister moves to ease diplomatic tensions.
Chips are down as Star posts huge loss, cashes in jobs
Star Entertainment has written down the value of its three casinos by $1.4 billion as its new CEO plots a path to turn around the fortunes of the company.
No clear winner for Australia in US poll: former envoy
Australian businesses could be hurt no matter who wins the US presidency, with flagged economic policies aimed at China potential threats, a former envoy says.
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.
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.