Unions ramp up minimum wage rise demands as costs soar
Low-paid workers should not go backwards because of Donald Trump's war, the peak union body says, as it calls for minimum wages to be raised to $26.45 an hour.
economy, business and finance
‘Troubling’ crackdowns no fix to homelessness crisis
Strained by chronic housing supply challenges, a leading researcher has warned councils against forcibly removing their homeless populations.
Gas project model pours cold water on emissions goal
Modelling examining a $30 billion-plus offshore gas proposal has drawn conclusions on the likelihood of a major state reaching a 2050 emissions target.
Rail project axing pulls ‘economic rug’ from regions
The Nationals have urged the federal government not to scrap billions of dollars of funding for the inland rail project ahead of the federal budget.
Last-minute budget pitch to ‘level field’ for young
Labor has made a pre-budget pitch to young Australians on social media as the government shakes up the tax system to help more people buy homes.
Kyle and Jackie O’s former home left counting the cost
"Brand safety concerns" by national advertisers cost the radio station company that ran the Kyle and Jackie O Show about $26.4 million in a year.
Data breach fears grow as suspected ransom note appears
Names, email addresses and school locations are believed to have been compromised in a global data breach affecting Australian education providers.
Grandfather of Inland Rail won’t let project die
The so‑called grandfather of Inland Rail says the half‑built 'train to nowhere' can still be saved, pitching a private plan to finish the route.
‘Need to do more’: Labor to lift lid on housing reform
Australians are under financial pressure and the government cannot "just sit back", the prime minister says, as his treasurer prepares to hand down the budget.
Treasurer downplays property tax windfall from budget
Jim Chalmers is talking down the amount of extra revenue that changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount will add to the budget.
China agreed to co-operate on jet fuel exports: Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says countries need to work together "to keep fuel and goods flowing" during a visit to China.
US Fed holds rates, three members dissent on ease bias
The US central bank is leaving its interest rate unchanged for the third straight meeting but signalling it could still cut rates in the coming months.
Batteries undercutting gas, keeping lid on power bills
Batteries are now the primary tool for managing evening spikes in electricity demand, a job previously falling to gas and hydro at greater expense.
Australia’s co-working boom moves from city to suburbs
Flexible workspaces are no longer a peripheral solution and are becoming firmly embedded within Australia's evolving office ecosystem, a report has found.
Woolies cites post-COVID instability in prices stoush
Australia's biggest supermarket chain has defended its discounts, as the consumer watchdog's joint court case against Woolies and Coles nears the finish line.
Hopes of wartime windfall shot down for federal budget
The federal treasurer is being urged not to grandfather tax breaks for asset-holders in the budget as the economic impact of the Iran war worsens.
Musk testifies he didn’t read ‘fine print’ about OpenAI
Elon Musk has sparred with a lawyer for OpenAI during his third day of testimony in a trial over the firm's pivot away from its non-profit status.
Australia will avoid recession, despite global jitters
One of the big four banks has delivered encouraging news about Australia's chances of avoiding a recession, which could still emerge in the global economy.
Big bunnies and grog sales take a wartime shopping hit
Coles shoppers adjusted their spending patterns after the Middle East war began, spending less on liquor and even buying smaller Easter chocolate bunnies.
Clean up AI or go away: rules proposed for data centres
Artificial intelligence companies should promise they have not broken the law before building a data centre in Australia, an inquiry has been told.
Rail service slashes weekday trains during union fight
Commuters in an Australian capital are set to be hit by reduced weekday train services due to industrial action on the state network.
Fiscal restraint to define federal budget as costs rise
Health, defence and welfare commitments are among fiscal pressures weighing on the federal budget as Treasurer Jim Chalmers vows to put a lid on spending.
Close call tipped as Reserve Bank mulls third rate hike
Traders and economists expect the central bank to raise interest rates for a third straight meeting but high uncertainty could result in another split decision.
Budget to address ‘immediate needs’ of households: PM
The upcoming federal budget is widely tipped to pare back incentives for property investors as the prime minister promises to tackle intergenerational inequity.
Australia turns to Japan to help soften ‘global shocks’
Australia will be less vulnerable to global events such as the fuel crisis after signing a series of agreements with Japan, Anthony Albanese says.
Right tax moves matter more than mandates: treasurer
Expected changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax would not break an election promise because they would be for the right reasons, Jim Chalmers says.
Most Aussies ready to withstand another rate hike: NAB
The majority of business and retail customers have solid buffers and will be able to deal with an anticipated interest rate hike, a big four bank says.
Aussies losing almost $5b in unpaid super every year
One in four Australian workers have been deprived of superannuation payments by employers, which could have a huge impact on their retirement nest egg.
Third RBA rate hike might not be the end for borrowers
Mortgage holders are back to square one after a third straight Reserve Bank rate hike, adding hundreds of dollars more to interest repayments since February.
‘Downside risks’: warning as state debt edges to $200b
A $200 billion state budget debt bomb remains live and ticking as a long-time Labor government favours cost-of-living measures for struggling families.
Stalled methane fight risks climate, energy security
Concerted efforts to curb methane from fossil fuel production in Australia and around the world could benefit both the climate and energy security.