Calls to end ‘problematic’ supermarket specials
Consumer group Choice has urged supermarkets to end the practice of offering further discounts only to customers who have signed up to membership schemes.
economy, business and finance
House prices surge in years since pandemic
House prices have risen by more than 30 per cent across Australia in the four years since the outbreak of COVID-19, a report has revealed.
Investment expert warns prices ‘rollercoaster’ possible
Unwinding pandemic effects will cause inflation to fall quickly, a key investment strategist expects, before supply shocks keep it higher over the long term.
Chinese ambassador says wine tariff review on track
The Chinese ambassador and the Australian trade minister are both hopeful a Chinese review into tariffs on Australian wine is moving in the right direction.
Farmers fear for future as supermarkets crunch costs
Large numbers of family farms will be forced to close because of low prices being paid for their produce by major supermarkets, an inquiry has been told.
WA ranked first, Vic last on economic performance: IPA
A new report has ranked states on their performance across 10 economic indicators, crowning WA as the nation's best performer while Victoria came last.
budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
government
mining
politics
social services
state budget and tax
NSW, Queensland biggest losers in ‘absurd’ GST carve-up
Victoria and Western Australia are multi-billion-dollar winners in the latest carve-up of the Goods and Services Tax , which NSW has slammed as "absurd".
Coles faces competitive pressure from online retailers
The head of one of Australia's two big supermarkets says the sector is becoming increasingly competitive and online retailers are part of the story.
Climate assessment details grim risks for Australia
Australia's first climate risk assessment is grim reading and outlines the threats people could face if the nation fails to prepare well for what's ahead.
NSW loses $1.65 billion in GST revenue carve-up
NSW will be $1.65 billion worse off after its share of GST revenue was slashed from 92.4 per cent to 86.7 per cent - the largest single-year drop in 24 years.
Unpaid invoices surge as small business owners struggle
Businesses are feeling the crunch from cost of living pressures as new data shows payment defaults from business-to-business transactions are at record highs.
Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs
Hundreds of nuisance tariffs on everyday items like tools, clothing, dishwashers and more will be scrapped in a move that will save businesses millions.
economy, business and finance
endangered species
environmental issue
environmental politics
health
invasive species
Fatal flaws: grim warnings about fire ant program
An inquiry aired serious concerns about efforts to eradicate fire ants - a hyper-aggressive super pest that could change what it's like to live in Australia.
Mining magnate Gutnick banned from managing businesses
Former Melbourne Demons president "Diamond" Joe Gutnick has been disqualified from managing corporations for his involvement in three failed companies.
‘Often overlooked’ women are the future of agriculture
Women are increasingly being recognised for their success in the agricultural sector in production, biosecurity, science and as champions of future farmers.
Economy hit by ‘dastardly duo’ of rates and inflation
Australia's economy grew very little last quarter but the result was broadly in line with forecasts and unlikely to change the outlook for interest rates.
‘Unbalanced’ duopoly impacting shoppers, farmers
The major supermarkets have offered "rock bottom" prices for purchasing produce because of their influence, farmers have told a parliamentary hearing.
Dumpster diving on the rise due to rising grocery costs
A Senate inquiry has heard there has been an uptick in people resorting to getting groceries from supermarket dumpsters.
‘Unfair’ supermarket prices on watchdog’s hit list
The consumer regulator has vowed to find answers to shoppers' complaints of sky-high grocery prices and farmers' concerns about low supermarket payments.
Crocodile cuddles as regional leaders snap family photo
Australia will launch a $2 billion program to turbocharge trade with Southeast Asia, as regional leaders get up close and personal with crocodiles and koalas.
Economy unlikely to have contracted but growth muted
The Australian economy looks to have narrowly missed a quarter in decline based on economic indicators released ahead of official growth figures.
Fire ants inquiry shines light on decades of failure
Australia's efforts to eradicate deadly fire ants have been savaged by former insiders and the woman who led a review that was buried.
Super cash-ins lump taxpayers with $85b ‘long COVID’
A key super fund body says taxpayers are on the hook for between $75 billion and $85 billion because of the Morrison government's early super access policy.
Falling letters, shop traffic weighs down Aust Post
Australia Post may have to shrink its retail network as falling foot traffic and low letter activity threatens the service's financial viability.
‘Smug’ energy attitudes holding Australia back: pioneer
An Australian offshore wind pioneer urges less politics and more investment in a nation that's been "smug" about energy for far too long.
Home price growth gathers pace as confidence returns
Property prices in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane still grew the fastest in January but Melbourne and Sydney also had a more convincing month.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Energy consumers to plug power gap, get fairer share
Ministers have agreed on steps to fill the nation's energy gap but a former deputy central bank governor says $625 billion in clean energy investment is needed.
Green mining could be dynamite for new hydrogen sector
Australia could usher in the next boom by switching ammonia production plants from gas to renewable hydrogen to supply the mining sector with green explosives.
Australia not ‘complacent’ on expected weak growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is not immune nor complacent in the face of economic challenges though a soft landing is still anticipated.
Retail sales rebound but spending appetite is weak
The consumer sector is clearly in pain and prioritising discounted goods, making it a difficult time to be a discretionary retailer.
Sales, dividend down as retail slump hits Harvey Norman
Ongoing macroeconomic headwinds have buffeted Harvey Norman's profits but the retailer insists its property portfolio keeps its balance sheet in good health.