Gaza conflict ‘gutwrenching’, Blinken tells Davos meet
The US is in demand in the face of global challenges ranging from war in Gaza and Ukraine to tensions over Taiwan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says.
economy, business and finance
Russia got $A4.4b of military goods despite sanctions
Russia has been able to purchase some $A4.4b worth of Western components to produce weapons like the "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles.
Supermarkets under scrutiny over food costs
Queensland Premier Steven Miles is set to meet supermarket bosses over the rising cost of groceries.
Jobless rate steady at 3.9 per cent
Australia's jobless rate has plateaued at 3.9 per cent after both employment and unemployment fell in December, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.
Rate cut prospects up in the air as labour market cools
Some economists predict a softening labour market could bode well for interest rate cuts after Australia's jobless rate plateaued at 3.9 per cent in December.
Supermarkets to face inquiry over grocery prices
Major supermarkets are set to face a Queensland parliamentary inquiry following a meeting with state premier Steven Miles.
Economy strong but slowdown on horizon, IMF warns
In its latest assessment of the Australian economy, the International Monetary Fund says growth is set to slow, despite more resilience than other nations.
Cabinet meet to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
The federal cabinet has been called back to Canberra before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Labor MPs to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
Labor MPs have been called back to Canberra to meet before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Cost of living pressures mount on first cabinet meeting
Anthony Albanese's cabinet is meeting in Canberra more than a week before parliament resumes as living costs raise pressure on households and government.
Financial relief on the cards as MPs rush to Canberra
Cost-of-living relief could be on the horizon as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to the capital to talk economic strategy.
PM looking for extra dollars for those ‘doing it tough’
Cost-of-living relief could be on the way as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to Canberra to find ways to ease the pressure on Australians.
DP World warns of more port strikes due to bargaining
Executives for DP World say new multi-employer bargaining laws would lead to further port strikes across Australia as its own pay dispute continues.
Salaries on the rise, outstripping inflation
New data shows advertised salaries are rising faster than inflation, as the government comes under pressure to ditch stage three tax cuts.
Twiggy attacks Woodside’s ‘death race’ gas project
Australia's second richest person, mining magnate Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, has renewed his attack on the fossil fuel industry and Woodside Energy.
Aussies will still get their tax cuts: Anthony Albanese
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost of living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
Water trigger ‘too vague’ to stop onshore gas expansion
Tweaked environmental laws remain too loose to safeguard water supplies and tackle threats to food growers and country from onshore gas wells, research shows.
Under 35s driving cruise ship resurgence
Having been hit hard by the pandemic, the cruise industry is working hard to recover and entice a new generation aboard.
PM confirms contentious stage three tax cuts to stay
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost-of-living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
Jetsetters and shoppers spend big as confidence returns
Australians are spending more on travel, insurance and online shopping as inflation reached its lowest levels since January 2022.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters
Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.
‘Softer’ year ahead as spending and loan growth slow
After a year of surging rental prices and cost-of-living expenses, relief could be on the cards for borrowers with economists raising hopes for a soft landing.
Black Friday sales get tills ringing as Aussies cash in
Early Christmas shopping and Black Friday sales helped boost retail spending during November as savvy Australian consumers cashed in on bargains.
Hundreds of jobs axed as Alcoa winds up old refinery
US alumina giant Alcoa says it will shut down a 60-year-old refinery south of Perth, where hundreds of workers are expected to lose their jobs.
World Bank forecasts 2024 global growth to slow
The global economy will slow for a third consecutive year in 2024, the World Bank predicts.
Seachangers help Brisbane property prices top Melbourne
A wave of interstate migrants seeking sun over lockdowns has helped average dwelling prices in Brisbane surpass Melbourne for the first time in a decade.
US and UK forces say warships repel attack in Red Sea
Naval forces from the United States and the United Kingdom say they have shot down drones and missiles fired by Houthi rebels into the Red Sea.
Record Australian rent price streak finally over
The average asking price for renting a house in Australia's capital cities has remained steady after almost three years of consecutive growth.
Inflation surprise all but confirms end to rate hikes
Economists are sounding the death knell for the sharpest interest rate tightening cycle since the 1980s after inflation dropped faster than expected.
X slammed for creating ‘perfect storm’ of online hate
Social media website X has been slammed by the eSafety Commissioner for breeding online hate since being acquired by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
lifestyle (house and home)
rental service
No solace for city renters as prices continue to surge
Economists say there could be relief on the horizon for renters, despite prices growing in every capital city in the last months of 2023.