Bosses urged to stay flexible as gender pay gap narrows
The gender pay gap is steadily closing amid warnings revoking work from home flexibility will impact women's ability to earn more.
economy, business and finance
Stocks tumble as Trump locks in Canada, Mexico tariffs
US President Donald Trump's taxes on imports from Mexico and Canada is sparking fears of a North American trade war that will hike inflation and hinder growth.
Australian economy to get pulse check, RBA minutes drop
National accounts figures headline a bumper week on the economic front, with RBA minutes, retail trade, housing data and government finances also on show.
Coalition matches Labor pledge to keep beer tax on ice
A promise to pause the draught beer excise for two years under a re-elected Labor government has been followed by a matching pledge from the opposition.
Record high house prices as rate cut buoys sentiment
House prices have rebounded to record highs after the Reserve Bank's rate cut boosted sentiment and improved Australians' borrowing power.
Treasurer to push for tariff exemption in US meeting
As superannuation giants attempt to build ties with US investors in Washington, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will try to secure a tariff deal with his US counterpart.
UK to up army spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, cut aid
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says spending on the military will be increased while funds for foreign aid will be cut.
Underlying inflation up but good news on housing, rents
Fresh inflation figures should help convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates again in May, despite a slight uptick in underlying price growth, economists say.
Billionaire founder retakes control of his $32b company
Richard White has been named executive chairman of WiseTech Global, four months after stepping down as CEO amid an inquiry into his conduct.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Coalition, Labor miss the mark on $347b spending claim
The opposition's claim Labor has added $350 billion in spending omits the impact of inflation, while Labor's response misconstrues the coalition's planned cuts.
Global uncertainty played a role in rate cut: RBA
Slowing inflation helped convince the Reserve Bank to cut rates at its last meeting but uncertainty over tariffs was also a factor, the deputy governor says.
Lower costs, better value as airlines deal takes flight
A deal between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia could strengthen competition and improve flight capacity in a '"major win" for passengers.
Local steel quotas in major projects being considered
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the federal government wants local steel to be used in Australian projects, as it considers introducing quotas.
Consumer prices to gauge inflation fight raging in 2025
Price changes in January will be among the first set of data scoured by the Reserve Bank as it studies whether a further interest rate cut is on the cards.
Clean industry pitch to save town from job losses
Gravity energy storage in disused mine shafts and critical mineral development are part of a pitch to save a mining town set to lose a big source of employment.
Hazy outlook fuels Reserve Bank caution on disinflation
Caution has been urged over future cash rate changes as uncertainty looms large over global policy, the impacts of rate decisions and the labour market.
Struggle Street residents last to benefit from rate cut
Rate relief has been delivered to Australian mortgage holders, yet the Reserve Bank governor says renters may have to wait a while longer to gain any benefit.
PM puts Australian steel in frame of renewables rollout
The federal government will foster jobs in clean energy manufacturing driven by locally made steel and aluminium under a plan unveiled by the prime minister.
Fortescue profit slumps on weak iron ore prices
China's struggling property sector continues to weigh on big miners, with Fortescue profits down more than 50 per cent.
Rio Tinto profit falls on drop in iron ore price
Weaker iron ore prices have shrunk profit to a five-year low at Rio Tinto, which is also grappling with a shareholder push to scrap its listing in London.
More flights on horizon as airline deal set to take off
Passengers could benefit from more choice and improved convenience as the consumer watchdog provides a green light for a Virgin-Qatar Airways alliance.
Death toll rises from disease linked with heavy rain
More people have died and others are suffering from a disease associated with heavy rain in a region lashed by floods and tipped to cop even more downpours.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
Polluter pays: Greens’ enter fray on insurance costs
Forcing gas and coal firms to contribute to disaster resilience and the reinsurance pool is the latest suggestion from a political party to bring down premiums.
One rate dip won’t cut it with voters who want action
Most Australians blame big corporations and not government for the rising cost of living so a lone interest rate cut won't sway their vote, polling indicates.
Steelworks forced into administration to ‘save’ future
South Australia has ended months of uncertainty over a critical steelworks by placing the plant into administration.
Robust job data unlikely to spook Reserve Bank on rates
Ongoing tightness in the labour market won't overly concern the Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation, says one economist after surprising jobs figures.
‘More gaps, more drop-outs’: rise in complaints post-3G
Telcos have been urged to do better in rural Australia, with continued reports of poor mobile service and new black spots after the 3G mobile network closed.
Taxpayers to the rescue of Aussie steel
Safeguarding sovereign steel production is a key factor in a $2.4 billion government package to keep a major steelworks running while a new owner is found.
Origin bets on gas and batteries to keep the lights on
Leading energy retailer Origin Energy says it is "well-placed" to benefit from the energy transition as it bets on big batteries to help keep the lights on.