Bangladesh army enforces curfew as protests spiral
A strict curfew is in place across Bangladesh and the military patrolls the capital after days of deadly protests over the allocation of government jobs.
economy, business and finance
Signs point to slow start for economy in new year
Australia can expect lacklustre economic growth into early next year, with small businesses particularly vulnerable to sour economic conditions.
Govt confident in power plant after explosion report
The Queensland government believes the state-owned operators of a power plant will do better after safety failings were revealed in a report on an explosion.
Online shopping spree despite cost-of-living crisis
Australians are still turning to online retail therapy despite household spending slowing due to cost-of-living pressures.
Banks lashed for ripping off poorer customers
The market watchdog has slammed four major banks for causing financial distress to more than two million Australians by systematically overcharging on fees.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
government
natural gas
politics
Gridlock on new energy transmission adds to bill shock
Delays for energy transmission projects over the past decade, under both major parties, are adding to power bills and making the nation's network less reliable.
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Echoes of pandemic as freight woes lift consumer prices
Australians could be forced to spend more on items ranging from confectionery to luxury items and medical goods as a result of global shipping issues.
‘Not open to negotiation’: New homes face delays
Australia's housing minister has not said whether she believes having a home should be a human right, as a political gridlock delays building new homes.
Any power cost reductions must flow to households: ACCC
Aussies are using less power and producing more rooftop solar to cope with energy costs, the consumer watchdog finds, urging retailers to share cost reductions.
‘Whole series of data’ before next rates call: RBA
The Reserve Bank's outlook on inflation is little changed and more data is needed to build a fuller picture of the economy, the deputy governor says.
Second budget surplus in reach as inflation runs hot
Another forecast budget surplus would help in the fight against rising prices, says the government amid pressure over the latest hot inflation readout.
Connecting business and culture in remote Queensland
A consulting business in a remote Cape York community may seem unusual to some but for Sheridan Teitzel, it's at the heart of what she does.
More hip-pocket help, less vaping in new financial year
Cost of living relief in the form of tax cuts and a pay increase for minimum-wage workers are among the changes to come into effect in the new financial year.
Tax cuts to help households ‘catch up’ to rate rises
After a long wait and much political tussling, the stage three tax cuts are finally about to come into effect - and not a moment too soon.
Albanese links new energy plan to cost-of-living crisis
Cost-of-living support in the form of tax cuts and higher pay for minimum-wage workers are among changes to come into effect in the new financial year.
RBA minutes to be dissected for interest rate clues
The minutes from the June interest rate meeting are expected to show a discussion of a hike as well as holding rates steady.
Chance of sharp uptick in jobless rate on RBA’s mind
The heat is starting to come out of the labour market but minutes from the RBA meeting show concerns that if unemployment starts rising, it will move fast.
‘No smoking gun’ to hike rates though prices risks lurk
The path to beat inflation without tanking the economy is getting narrower, the Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed in minutes from its last meeting.
Aust, NZ fund Solomons airfield in development race
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed a $55 million investment in Seghe Airfield that could unlock the region's tourism potential.
Sombre retail sales likely as consumer pain persists
Prising open wallets has been tough as tough financial conditions batter households and retail sales figures are likely to show a continuation of the trend.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
Renter relief finally hits with more cooling in sight
After months of fast-rising rents, momentum is starting to tip in favour of tenants as more homes become available.
President Adeang backs Nauru’s switch to China
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Adeang: China support can ‘transform’ Nauru
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Pacific’s dwindling banking services in the spotlight
The first Pacific Banking Forum will investigate why banking services are dwindling in the region and consider how to ensure a sustainable financial system.
Next stop … good public transport that actually works
Australia's suburbanites are too often relegated to a life of car-dependency that is polluting the climate and leaving streets more congested and less safe.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.