Dutton doubles down on nuclear, sledges PM
The prime minister is a "child in a man's body", Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says, as he ensures nuclear energy policy will be a centrepiece of the election.
economy, business and finance
Middle East and Europe ‘exemplars’ for nuclear plan
Europe and the Middle East could provide a model for Australia to deploy nuclear energy but its development would be expensive, an advocate admits.
Nuclear conflict brews in coalition over renewables
Australians are being asked to choose between two options for the nation's energy future, but the coalition is already arguing internally over renewables.
Australians dabble with crime as cost of living bites
Thefts of groceries and alcohol are increasing, with police citing the cost of living and high interest rates as factors turning non-offenders to crime.
‘Hoax’: report backing live sheep export ban savaged
Peak livestock and farming bodies have derided a report backing a ban on Australian live sheep exports, saying the inquiry that led to it was a sham.
Home-building surge in tight budget of ‘must-haves’
Record spending on social housing has headlined the Minns government's second budget as the NSW treasurer blames GST changes for rolling deficits.
‘Encouraging signs’: PM lauds improving ties with China
China's premier has wrapped a four-day Australian visit with talks on economic ties and mineral exports as Anthony Albanese hails signs of more stable ties.
Rates on hold yet inflation risks remain on RBA’s radar
The threat of inflation has not been neutralised and the Reserve Bank is still prepared to pull the trigger on another interest rate hike if needed.
Inflation-wary Reserve Bank spells long wait for cuts
Stalling progress on inflation has the central bank on high alert as political sparring continues over the impact of state and federal budgets on prices.
Deals beyond ‘baseline’ pay rise could fuel budget pain
Several unions want worker pay packets to rise beyond the NSW government's offer, but critics warn going further could hurt the budget for years.
Following the money, not hot air, for more wind farms
Australia's green bank and international firms are generating more renewable energy projects, even as the political stoush over the nation's future warms up.
Fears subsidy a ‘quick fix’ for remote cost of living
A discount on essential items in Queensland remote communities has been welcomed, but some residents fear it may not be a long-term solution.
Dutton’s nuclear reactor ‘over budget’ and a ‘joke’
Energy experts have cast doubt on the feasibility of Peter Dutton's nuclear policy, labelling one of the reactor options put forward as "irresponsible".
Nuclear and renewables to battle it out at election
As the federal election looms, competing energy policies will duke it out for Australians' favour after the opposition released its long-awaited nuclear plan.
States power up to shut down nuclear ambitions
As the federal opposition attempts to force the construction of nuclear reactors, state leaders say they will not go down without a fight.
Nuclear policy a ‘death sentence’ for Indigenous land
Plans to build nuclear power plants will sever the connection of Indigenous people to sacred sites, elders have warned as the coalition policy faces backlash.
Hong Kong most expensive city to be posted to
While Hong Kong has been listed at the world's most expensive city to move to, three Australian cities are in the top 100.
Renters could be hit in $1.5b ‘sneaky’ budget tax hike
Landlords, holiday-home owners and businesses could be hit with higher taxes in the NSW budget, while $200m has been set aside for homes for regional workers.
Stubborn economic challenges hang over RBA rates call
A June interest rate meeting comes as the federal government defends its budget management in an economy facing slow growth and persistent inflation.
Banning sheep exports will kill towns, inquiry told
Farmers have gathered to protest a ban on live sheep exports, with witnesses at a fiery public hearing saying towns will die when the ban comes into effect.
Win for dudded savers as banks forced to alert changes
A suite of changes to banking regulations should make it easier for customers to move to more competitive home loan and saving account offers.
Home prices in three cities are outpacing their peers
Australia's housing market is made up of laggards and leaders in home price growth and the gap is expected to linger in the coming months.
Weakness creeping into labour market as hiring slows
Australia's labour market is slowly softening but the Reserve Bank is unlikely to be bothered by the latest jobs numbers ahead of its next board meeting.
Households keep falling behind as rate increases bite
Most borrowers are adapting to tough financial conditions but the number of people in hardship or struggling to meet repayments is growing.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
money and monetary policy
politics
Chalmers eyes soft landing amid budget criticism
The pressure on Australia's economy from higher interest rates justifies the decision not to deliver a "slash and burn" budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Not the size of the energy build, but how we use it
Many households are reducing their carbon footprint but without efficient homes or smart meters they may not be getting the best value out of clean energy.
Dry weather in some states dampens farmer confidence
Farmer confidence has taken a U-turn in the latest quarter in the face of economic pressures and mixed seasonal conditions across Australia.
PM weighs in on fresh push for free or cheap childcare
Anthony Albanese has welcomed an expert proposal for free or low-cost childcare but parents hoping for an immediate reprieve are likely to be disappointed.
Weekend city visits lift but workers still shun the CBD
The number of people visiting Australia's largest cities still remains below pre-pandemic levels but weekends are beginning to buck the trend.
New night life boss ‘crucial’ to live music economy
The Queensland government's decision to appoint a night life economy commissioner has been welcomed as a boost for the future of the live music industry.
PM blasts opposition for shifting goals on climate
An opposition plan to rework interim climate commitments has attracted the ire of the prime minister, who says 2030 goals are achievable.