Worker influx could aid ‘softest of economic landings’
A surge in new workers since Australia's borders reopened in 2021 could help deliver a gentle economic landing by taking heat out of the economy's supply side.
economy, business and finance
Top bureaucrat lands job of helping the nation prosper
A top-level recruit has been handed the task of boosting Australia's flagging productivity growth, but the opposition has already questioned his links to Labor.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
investments
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
politics
Call for energy investors to make most of ‘golden age’
Energy investors have been urged to take advantage of Australia's golden age in climate policy, with "crazy, science-denying" naysayers waiting in the wings.
Strong jobs market keeps pressure on interest rates
The resilience of the jobs market continues to beat expectations and could be bad news for mortgage holders hoping for another pause on interest rate rises.
BHP faces cost pressures, warns of economic volatility
BHP has posted a strong fourth quarter with annual production records at Western Australia iron ore, Olympic Dam and Spence, but warns of uncertain times.
Fears Coles milk buyout could sour market for farmers
There are concerns that a Coles plan to buy two milk processing plants will give the supermarket giant greater power and bargaining influence on the market.
Funding gap means growing pains for Australian unicorns
Australian technology startups are challenging Silicon Valley ventures for investment but need changes to education and funding to take on big firms.
Inflation debate makes RBA rates call a coin toss
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the latest jobs figures are a good surprise, despite fears the unemployment rate could lead to more pain for mortgage holders.
Rare dolphin rehab centre on the brink of closing
One of only two rehabilitation centres for injured wild dolphins in Australia may be forced to close its doors because of a lack of funding.
Fight to keep dolphin sanctuary from going under water
One of only two rehabilitation centres for injured wild dolphins in Australia may be forced to close its doors because of a lack of funding.
World-first clean energy deal taps deep local knowledge
With traditional owners already responsible for looking after country, it makes sense they're at the heart of a $3 billion East Kimberley clean energy deal.
Inflation results key to Reserve Bank rates decision
The latest inflation data will be crucial to where the Reserve Bank takes interest rates at its board meeting in August.
Renters at risk of stepping off ‘affordability cliff’
Tenants still face sharp price increases but easing vacancy rates suggest rental growth may be losing steam.
Thinking behind Reserve Bank’s ‘hawkish pause’ on show
Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe will this week give a speech after keeping interest rates steady in July and the big four banks will be grilled by politicians.
Victorians to pay the country’s most property taxes
A report has laid bare the extent to which both the Victorian and NSW state budgets depend on property taxes.
Few plan to spend tax returns as economy stalls
Fear of a slowing economy and direct financial pressures are weighing on taxpayers, with most planning to bank their tax returns or service debts.
Relief for tenants as rental availability frees up
Renters may be finding it a little easier to find a home as vacancy rates ease across every capital city except Brisbane.
Consumers are not buying RBA’s interest rate pause
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Rates and inflation keeping clamp on consumer sentiment
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
‘More work required’ as EU, Australia fail to reach FTA
Australia and the European Union have failed to reach a free trade agreement, the European Commission says, and "more work is required" to address key issues.
Warning for businesses as defaults reach record high
Business trade payment defaults have surged to a record high as surging interest rates constrain spending, sounding insolvency alarms in the months ahead.
Budget repair not leaving households behind: Treasurer
Struggling households should not expect extra cost of living relief soon but the treasurer has not ruled out more help if the economy deteriorates markedly.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy resources
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
natural gas
politics
Federal backing for Rio Tinto refinery hydrogen pilot
A refinery in Gladstone will get a federal grant for a renewable hydrogen project that is key to the decarbonisation of Queensland's industrial heartland.
More rate rises ‘possible’ but RBA’s course uncertain
The head of the Reserve Bank says more interest rate rises are possible to get inflation under control, but the July pause was appropriate.
EU trade talks stall as Australia holds out for farmers
The Australian government remains hopeful of striking a deal with the European Union on free trade, as the latest talks stall.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy resources
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
natural gas
politics
Alumina refinery trial swapping gas power for hydrogen
The federal government is contributing $32 million to a trial project swapping gas for hydrogen to power the emissions-intensive alumina refining process.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
natural gas
politics
How to make net zero happen: ‘Get on with it and adapt’
Nuclear power is too expensive and slow to build, while offshore wind will be crucial to achieving climate and energy targets, a net zero report finds.
Tesla chair urges Australia to spark more tech startups
The Australian chair of an electric vehicle giant says the nation must drive tech startups and renewable energy or risk being left behind.
Rate rises still on cards but RBA chief softens stance
The head of the Reserve Bank says more interest rate rises are possible to get inflation under control, but the July pause was appropriate.
Australia unable to seal EU trade deal as talks stall
Talks for a free trade deal with the EU have stalled over Australia's demands for greater access for its agricultural products into European markets.
Business as usual for rich-lister Forrests after split
One of Australia's richest couples, Andrew and Nicola Forrest, have separated but will continue working together on their various business interests.