Companies surprisingly busy despite slowing economy
The Australian services sector continues to bring in a lot of new business even as interest rates remain high and consumers start to pull back.
economy, business and finance
New bank chief holds rates but a rise is still in play
Borrowers have been spared further mortgage pain but one more interest rate hike or a longer stretch on hold may be needed to wrangle inflation under control.
Carbon ‘bottom line’: Don’t trade integrity for offsets
Carbon offsets should be used as a last resort and limited to Australia's heaviest polluters, conservationists warn the federal government.
Housing recovery entrenched but pace of growth eases
Home values continue to rise but growth has slowed amid more advertisements for stock and the toll of higher interest rates and cost of living pressures.
House prices smash records, fully reversing 2022 lows
Australia's housing market has fully rebounded from recent lows as several major cities achieve new price peaks due to buyer and seller confidence.
Price gouging child care could be named and shamed
Childcare centres charging parents exorbitant fees could be named and shamed under reforms proposed by the consumer watchdog.
US Congress passes stopgap bill to avert shutdown
The threat of a US government shutdown has been averted after Congress approved a temporary funding plan - but it came at the expense of aid for Ukraine.
Engineers, scientists to squeeze more out of oil, gas
A long-time engineering and construction contractor to oil and gas giants says it has a chance to play both sides of the energy and resources transition.
Biden blames Republicans for ‘manufactured crisis’
The White House has pinned the blame for the now averted threat of a government shutdown on House Republicans who'd been unable to pass a funding package.
coal
economy, business and finance
energy
environmental issue
international (foreign) trade
iron and steel
metal and mineral
mining
India’s furnaces not the answer for Aussie coal exports
A report has found India will reduce its dependence on Aussie coal in steel furnaces as the price of green hydrogen comes down and carbon penalties go up.
Feeble retail sales growth reflects stretched consumers
Consumers appear to be spending more cautiously in a sign the Reserve Bank's mission to reduce inflation is working as intended.
Federal budget back in black for first time in 15 years
The Labor federal government has smashed its earlier forecasts for a budget surplus, although the treasurer says deficits are expected in coming years.
From dictator to trailblazer, MPs react to Murdoch move
Politicians, many of whom have been in the firing line of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, have given mixed reactions to news of his retirement.
Rex cuts flights, blaming rivals ‘pillaging’ pilots
Regional carrier Rex Airlines is blaming Qantas and other competitors for "pillaging" pilots as it further reduces flights between country towns and the cities.
Tony Abbott nominated to Fox Corp board of directors
Tony Abbott has been nominated to sit on Fox Corporation's board of directors, a day after media mogul Rupert Murdoch's retirement plans were unveiled.
Labor’s jobs plan not at odds with RBA, says treasurer
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says his ambition for full employment is not in conflict with the RBA's endeavours to reduce inflation.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
government
laws
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Big users bankroll new power to offset carbon footprint
Mining companies are among big energy users bankrolling wind farms and other renewable energy projects to offset carbon emissions.
Labor mulls options to bolster fire-fighting ranks
The federal government is considering a range of creative options to ensure Australia has the personnel it needs to fight worsening bushfires.
High fuel prices to flow through to inflation print
The monthly reading of consumer prices is expected to move up a little to reflect higher prices at the pump, potentially complicating efforts to curb inflation.
Spring auction rates heating up, just like the weather
There have been more homes sold at auction around the country this weekend as the traditional heating up of the spring housing market gets under way nationwide.
Net zero, care economy graduates to be fast-tracked
Millions of dollars will be spent on fostering the jobs of the future as part of the federal government's vision for the Australian labour market.
Labor aims to smooth bumpy road off income support
Job seekers will soon receive welfare benefits for up to six months as they transition into the workforce, under changes announced by the Albanese government.
Payment plan to help pensioners, job seekers into work
Job seekers will get welfare benefits for up to six months as they transition into the workforce, under a suite of changes announced by the Albanese government.
Pressure grows on chairman as Qantas scrutiny continues
Business groups and rivals have a chance to weigh in on Qantas at an inquiry into the Qatar Airways knockback as pilots call on chair Richard Goyder to quit.
Qatar airs anger at Qantas over flights-bid ‘lobbying’
Qantas has been accused of drumming up negative messaging over Qatar Airways' bid for more flights into Australia by the Gulf state's aviation authority.
Pressure grows on Qantas chairman as inquiry continues
Pilots are calling on Qantas chairman Richard Goyder to quit for overseeing "one of the most damaging periods" in the airline's history.
More flights no silver bullet for Qantas woes: union
Extra Qatar Airways flights would not necessarily fix the issues endemic to a workforce wiped out by Qantas, unions say.
Qantas chiefs to front Qatar flights knockback probe
Pressure on Qantas chairman Richard Goyder to quit is intensifying as the airline's bosses prepare to appear at a parliamentary inquiry probing its problems.
‘Shocking’: Qatar bosses lash government flights call
As calls mount for Qantas boss Richard Goyder to resign, Qatar Airways has revealed what happened when it asked the Albanese government for extra flights.
Joyce to be summoned by Senate probe on Qantas lobbying
Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will be summoned to appear at a Senate inquiry examining the airline's role in a government decision to reject extra Qatar flights.
‘Shocked’ Qatar bosses lash government flights call
As calls mount for Qantas boss Richard Goyder to resign, Qatar Airways has revealed what happened when it asked the Albanese government for extra flights.