‘Flying blind’: why Labor ditched the inland rail route
The $45.6 billion price tag for inland rail was only a modest estimate, prompting the federal government to scrap part of the project amid planning delays.
economy, business and finance
‘Surprisingly dehumanising’: AI pioneer has boundaries
The head of one of the world's biggest pure-play AI developers says even he's had times when using the groundbreaking technology just wasn't going to happen.
Falling fuel prices bolster hopes for RBA rate reprieve
A cut in the fuel excise caused annual headline inflation to fall, but the underlying impulse for price pressures is still gathering steam.
Global capital eyes $50b water market, raising stakes
International investors are wading into Australia's water market, and while scarcity ensures decent returns, droughts could leave some producers high and dry.
Data centre power concerns spark moratorium call
A report by Greenpeace has challenged claims Australia's AI-fuelled data centre boom can support rather than undermine the clean energy transition.
Banks on notice as Westpac fined for failing clients
Banking giant Westpac has been slugged with a $26 million penalty for failing to support customers in need, a decision an expert says sends a clear message.
The $180m bill to calculate the Inland Rail blow-out
The man who first pitched Inland Rail wants a quick private sector takeover, as it is revealed consultants were paid $180m to estimate the budget blow-out.
Treasurer hoses down calls to carve up his tax revamp
Business groups are urging the federal government to have a major rethink over its capital gains tax measures but Jim Chalmers is remaining steadfast.
Treasury chief defends Labor’s beleaguered budget
Controversial budget changes would have cut the lifetime tax benefits for the top one per cent of earners by $400,000 if implemented in 2000, Treasury says.
Hanson lashes gas tax ‘vandalism’, reveals energy plan
Australia should look to Norway to shore up sovereign wealth through gas, One Nation says, as the coalition urges the resources industry to "fight like hell".
Bowen to back electrification at UN climate summit
Australia and Turkey have revealed that the global oil crisis will prompt a major focus on electrification at the United Nations climate talks in November.
Concerns, doubts over Tasmania budget cuts
Rating agency S&P Global says Tasmania's budget repair carries "high execution risk," doubting the government will follow through on $1.47 billion in cuts.
Travel booking site eyes rebound from market turbulence
A major online travel booking company believes it can recover from a triple whammy after increasing its net annual profit in a shifting market.
Putin and Xi hail ties and energy trade at China talks
China and Russia's leaders have shared warm words and stressed their growing trade and energy ties at a summit in Beijing just days after Donald Trump's visit.
Jobless jump, Iran war shoot down fears of rate rise
The big four banks are tipping the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates steady at its next meeting after the jobless rate surged and as the Iran war hits home.
Island state to cut, cut, cut its way back to the black
Tasmania will spend more on servicing debt in 2026/27 than on police, fire and emergency services, showing the scale of the state's borrowing challenge.
SpaceX reveals blockbuster initial public offering plan
Elon Musk's SpaceX has unveiled plans for one of the biggest sales of stock to the public ever with an initial offering that could make Musk a trillionaire.
‘Out of touch’: businesses blast ex-PM’s budget backing
Labor luminary Paul Keating has been panned as "out of touch" with the modern realities of owning a business after backing controversial tax changes.
Beef lovers steer it home for billionaire-backed firm
Australian Agriculture Co has delivered its highest annual operating profit after strong consumer demand for Aussie beef pushed up prices, despite flood losses.
Bank plunge could spell end of an era for ASX investors
Big retail banks have driven returns on the ASX for years, but global asset manager VanEck believes they are overpriced and mid-caps offer better opportunities.
The adopted family members being dumped in hard times
Looking after a family is difficult in a financial crisis but animal welfare groups are concerned about the growing number of pets being banished altogether.
Extension on fuel excise relief kept in play by PM
Fuel excise relief appreciated by Australian motorists may not end in July, as the government promotes other tax cuts due to begin at the same time.
Fuel excise extension weighed as states look to supply
The prime minister has left the door open to more tax relief at the bowser as state governments attempt to shore up their own fuel supplies.
Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals
The government has conceded its budget is unlikely to win immediate support from voters as Labor and Liberals taking aim at each others' policies.
Chinese interference claims spark forced miner sell-off
Six companies have been forced to sell their holdings in an Australian rare earths miner which has been the subject of boardroom tussles.
Rex board accused of knowing big loss about to take off
The corporate watchdog has taken a regional airline's former directors to court over allegations they misled investors about financial performance.
Proposed new airline could face squeeze from giants
Existing airlines won't roll over to make room for a proposed new competitor in their most profitable "Golden Triangle" routes, experts say.
‘No whammy’: businesses hit back at budget tax overhaul
Tax experts are urging the states to shield businesses from higher costs as they restructure their assets after Labor's controversial federal budget.
Rates revelation: why RBA dissenter voted against hike
The lone Reserve Bank board member who voted against lifting the cash rate in May was less concerned about inflation expectations than the bank's economists.
No bears: software firm shrugs off AI ‘apocalypse’ fear
Software group Technology One has shrugged off worries about its exposure to an industry apocalypse, with its boss arguing it can emerge stronger than ever.
Houses, town water supply sold in mining mega‑deal
A $5.8 billion mega-coal mining deal has all but put a town up for sale, handing the new owner the mines, hundreds of homes and crucial community services.