Annual inflation lifts 5.2 per cent in August
Australia's consumer prices rose 5.2 per cent annually, higher than the previous month, with housing, transport, food and insurance the biggest drivers.
economy, business and finance
Cloud-based micro businesses floated for future economy
Artificial intelligence in health, education or agriculture could fix many social challenges and is within reach for even the smallest firms, a report shows.
Inflation jump complicates Reserve Bank’s job
Australia's consumer prices have risen 5.2 per cent in the latest figures, with fuel, housing, transport, food and insurance the biggest drivers.
Qantas chair to stay at controls despite mounting flak
Qantas boss Richard Goyder is defying calls for his resignation, saying he won't step away from the airline as it looks to improve its battered image.
Sluggish retail data could keep rate hike cycle at bay
Retail trade and job vacancy figures will paint the Reserve Bank a clearer picture of the economy's health ahead of a crucial cash rate decision.
Treasurer rules out any relief from petrol price pain
Drivers aren't likely to get federal relief to lower petrol prices, the treasurer says, despite the higher prices at the bowser.
Lacklustre lift in August retail trade
Consumers appear to be spending more cautiously and the number of vacant jobs has fallen further, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.
Frydenberg puts political return on hold for boardroom
A parliamentary comeback at the next election is off the table for Josh Frydenberg as he takes on the role of Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand chairman.
Rupert Murdoch steps down as News Corp, Fox Corp boss
Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as leader of both Fox's parent company and his News Corp media holdings
US Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged
The US central bank has left its key interest rate unchanged for the second time in its past three meetings but signalled rates could be raised again this year.
Recipe for change as dry spell may eat into food prices
The declaration of an El Nino event alongside a second driver of dry weather could prove to be another spanner in the works in the fight against inflation.
economy, business and finance
environmental issue
environmental politics
health
natural disasters
weather
Heatwave, bushfires wreak havoc as threat moves north
Bushfires are burning across a number of states as a heatwave is forecast to move into Queensland and the Northern Territory, sparking a wave of warnings.
Labor driving towards secure future with jobs roadmap
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to release the Employment White Paper setting out policies to put secure jobs in reach of more Australians.
Banks push back on mandates to stay in rural Australia
Increasing branch closures across rural Australia have raised the possibility of forcing banks to operate a minimum number of country outlets.
Petrol price surge further stretches household budgets
Motorists have been hit in the hip pocket by petrol price rises and the latest spike may put a dent in the Reserve Bank's fight against inflation.
More homes put up for sale as property rebound sets in
The spring selling season looks to have started early, with national listings surging more than 20 per cent in the last month of winter.
Perth rents rise fastest as housing supply dwindles
Rental prices are skyrocketing in Perth as home vacancy rates plummet amid chronic housing supply shortages and unprecedented demand for homelessness services.
Inflation cooling to plan but fuel on RBA’s watchlist
The Reserve Bank of Australia appears comfortable with the inflation outlook but there are concerns about petrol prices and a weakening Chinese economy.
Unexpected jobs surge leaves unemployment figure steady
Higher interest rates are yet to make a serious dent in Australia's jobs market, with a larger-than-expected surge in employment recorded.
Stranded luxury cruise ship pulled free in Greenland
The luxury Ocean Explorer cruise liner stranded in Greenland with 206 people onboard - including 90 Australians - has been pulled free at high tide.
Union boss issues warning after Qantas court decision
Australian businesses have been warned unions are ready to mobilise against unfair work conditions after a High Court ruling against Qantas.
PM urges renewables shift or risk being left behind
The prime minister has told industry leaders they must move towards renewables or watch as the world passes Australia by.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
environmental issue
insurance
politics
real estate
Insurers demand action on risks to stay above water
The financial hit from catastrophes may have dropped over the past 12 months but insurance premiums keep rising, an industry report shows.
Businesses trundling along, despite consumer caution
Australian businesses are still faring relatively well but consumers remain fearful, despite the interest rate hiking cycle drawing to a close.
Crossbenchers fire up over support for first responders
The inclusion of changes to protect first responders and domestic violence survivors in Labor's workplace bill has been labelled a "cynical ploy".
Time for some sunlight through the clouds of aviation
The debate over Qantas' behaviour and the decision to reject extra flights for Qatar Airways have highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of aviation.
G20 ‘consensus’ on leaders’ declaration as summit opens
"It is time for all of us to move together," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said as he opens the Group of 20 (G20) summit in New Delhi.
Labour force resilience to be tested as market softens
Fresh labour force numbers and a peek inside the business sector will dominate the economic agenda amid indications the jobs market is starting to cool.
Consumers still cautious following RBA pause
Consumer confidence is still hovering well below long-run averages even with interest rates holding steady and a soft landing starting to materialise.
Cost of living, rates drag on economy as growth slows
The Australian economy is still growing, but more slowly, as strong population growth supports activity.
Resources industry report card spruiks ‘climate action’
Mining is more than playing its part in the economy's decarbonisation, according to a progress report issued by the Minerals Council of Australia.