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.
economy, business and finance
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.
Inflation results show signs of waning price pressures
Stretched households will welcome promising signals on price pressures as a key monthly measure comes in softer than anticipated.
Escape to the country cools off as cost of living bites
Internal migration has dropped as fewer people make the move between the cities and the regions, but those who are escaping the rat race are going to the coast.
breaking_news
company information
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
Woodside under the pump on climate risk as profit falls
Critics say Woodside Energy's carbon reduction plans are "meaningless" as the oil and gas giant expands to meet decades of demand expected for Australian LNG.
Call for action on gender equity as pay gaps exposed
Australian employers are under pressure to close their gender pay gaps and could face hurdles getting contracts with government if they don't change.
Homebuyer scheme on shaky ground as calls for help echo
Opponents of a homebuyer scheme that would split upfront costs with the government are being urged to back the plan to help more people buy their first house.
Incoming Qantas chairman can change airline: workers
Qantas' naming of former Telstra boss John Mullen as its next chairman has been welcomed by airline staff, who say he has an open-door approach to workers.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
heavy construction
manufacturing and engineering
metal and mineral
mining
Rio Tinto energy pact cuts Gladstone’s carbon footprint
Rio Tinto will bankroll hundreds of construction jobs and industrial production in Queensland with a renewable energy supply deal for a smelter and refineries.
company information
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
Gas giant Santos accused of eroding shareholder value
Gas giant Santos has been accused of eroding shareholder value with a record dividend and no update on the future after Woodside merger talks were terminated.
Cyclone prompts pilots to jettison four-day strike
A strike at a Qantas subsidiary has been suspended at the request of the West Australian government because of a cyclone and the possible need for evacuations.
company information
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Aussie aluminium next on chopping block, Rio warns
Iron ore and copper giant Rio Tinto has reported a fall in profit on lower commodity prices and warns the future of aluminium depends on the energy rollout.
More first-time buyers facing mortgage stress
Higher interest rates are a double-edged sword for wannabe home buyers - shortening the time to save for a deposit but pushing up mortgage repayments.
Lower fares blamed for Qantas’ descending profit
Qantas says fare cuts are behind a $183 million reduction in its first-half profit, as it unveils measures to enhance the on-board experience for passengers.
Iron ore strength bankrolls emission-busting Fortescue
High prices and loyal Chinese demand for Fortescue Group's iron ore has delivered a stellar profit and cash pile to bankroll ambitious emission-busting plans.
Opposition moves to expand supermarket inquiry
The Queensland opposition will look to expand a supermarket inquiry to include electricity, transport, insurance and water.
Wages outrunning inflation in win for household budgets
Average wages grew at the fastest annual pace in 14 years in 2023 while just outpacing inflation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported.
Woolies CEO quits as pressure and grocery prices rise
Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci will resign by September after facing increased scrutiny over the pricing and a lack of supermarket competition.
Hydrogen hub deal worth $140m finalised for Pilbara
Western Australia could become a world-leading hydrogen producer after the federal and state governments finalised a $140 million deal to build infrastructure.
Rate hike case scuttled by improving inflation outlook
The Reserve Bank considered lifting interest rates earlier this month but convincing progress on inflation made it an easy argument to dismiss.
coal
company information
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
metal and mineral
mining
politics
BHP issues ‘call to arms’ for competitive mining future
Resources giant BHP says governments need to work harder to make sure Australia is in the race as global competition heats up for iron ore and battery minerals.
Drivers on struggle street fuel Ampol’s ‘mega profit’
Refinery operator and service station chain Ampol has been accused of delaying pump price relief for consumers already stung by a cost of living crisis.
company information
construction and property
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
housing and urban planning
metal and mineral
Aussie economy ‘OK’ despite weaker housing: BlueScope
BlueScope Steel expects local housing starts to recover and strong demand in the United States for infrastructure, including steel-intensive renewable energy.