Free midday power just the start for energy equity
Zero-cost daytime energy is about capitalising on Australia's solar success story but more could be done to ensure renters and apartment occupants benefit.
economy, business and finance
Labor considers windfall gas tax amid Iran price spike
A new tax on extraordinary gas profits caused by the Middle East conflict could raise an extra $27 billion per year for the federal budget, advocates say.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
money and monetary policy
Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
Trump calls for Japan, NATO to ‘step up’ on Iran
Donald Trump has defended the secrecy of the US campaign in Iran by invoking Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour during a meeting with the Japanese prime minister.
breaking_news
crisis
economy, business and finance
energy (general)
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
unrest, conflicts and war
Iran hits Kuwaiti oil refinery, blasts boom over Tehran
Israel and Iran have launched fresh attacks on each other, a day after Tehran struck an Israeli oil refinery.
Power bill relief on the cards as wholesale prices fall
Power bill saving of up to $200 can be anticipated for some customers next financial year under proposed safety net prices.
RBA frets over severe global shock from Middle East war
Spillover from the Iran war and an uptick in risky lending to first-home buyers could threaten Australia's financial stability, the Reserve Bank warns.
Safe as houses: home resale profits go through the roof
Record home sales profits are lining the pockets of people in the housing market, while pushing the price of admission beyond the means of ordinary Australians.
‘Over-prepared’: PM’s pledge on growing fuel crisis
Australia will have a single point of contact co-ordinating fuel supplies and issues that might arise due to the Iran war, with further measures expected.
Spike in jobless rate unlikely to end RBA hiking cycle
A rise in unemployment and a surge in hiring point to conflicting impulses in Australia's labour market, but conditions remain relatively tight.
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
politics
productivity
public finance
Treasurer softens up voters for ‘hard decisions’ on tax
The government will warn of a hit to economic growth and Australia's productivity performance in the upcoming budget, raising the stakes for ambitious reform.
arts, culture and entertainment
economy, business and finance
heads of state
health
human interest
imperial and royal matters
Royals celebrate another Danish-Australian star pairing
King Frederik and Queen Mary have admired the work of another Danish-Australian duo as the royals headed to an art exhibition at a trendy converted warehouse.
Incoming BHP boss calls on Australia to mend its ways
Australia needs to adopt more business-friendly policies on energy and labour if it is to compete for capital, the new boss of mining giant BHP says.
arts, culture and entertainment
economy, business and finance
entertainment (general)
mass media
radio
radio industry
Radio giant takes big bet in Sandilands contract fight
Kyle Sandilands may have played a shrewd move after his axing by focusing attention on his radio masters rather than himself, legal experts say.
breaking_news
central bank
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
petrol
unrest, conflicts and war
Treasurer warns of major economic damage from Iran war
Fresh modelling shows oil price shocks and soaring prices for other commodities will have a lasting impact on Australia's economy.
Australian rules football
economy, business and finance
environmental issue
heads of state
human interest
imperial and royal matters
Up there Queen Mary: royal kicks goals in MCG debut
Denmark's Queen Mary has lived out the dream of many Australians, booting a goal at the MCG as she met AFL players during a return to her home nation.
Coal miner reaps price rise from Middle East conflict
Coalminer New Hope is experiencing a price lift for the black mineral from the war in the Middle East, after posting a sharp fall in interim profit.
Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation
Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.
Summer climate ‘whiplash’ hitting harder and faster
Australia is seesawing between floods and fires with increasing frequency, leaving a trail of ecosystem stress, property damage and strained council budgets.
Trump-Xi meeting could be delayed, White House says
A White House spokeswoman says it is possible US President Donald Trump's visit to China could be delayed.
Fuel tax cut urged to avoid fruit ‘rotting on trees’
As some country towns face major petrol shortages, pressure is mounting on the federal government to intervene to bring down fuel prices.
Emergency global stockpile oil coming soon, IEA says
Emergency oil reserves from Asia and Oceania will be available immediately, the International Energy Agency says as it details the release of stockpiles.
Trump warns of more strikes on Iran’s oil export hub
US President Donald Trump has warned of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island as he pressures allies to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
arts, culture and entertainment
economy, business and finance
festive event (including carnival)
music
music industry
popular music
rock and roll music
Blues fans see red as organisers pull plug on festival
A popular Australian festival has been abruptly cancelled three weeks before it was due to begin, blaming poor ticket sales and rising production costs.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
Gassy, koala-threatening coal mine gets state stamp
Environmental groups are urging the federal government to act to prevent a coal mine emitting methane pollution and destroying koala habitat.
Atlassian workers in shock after AI-related layoffs
Almost 500 Atlassian employees in Australia are reeling after being told via email that their services are no longer required.
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
oil and gas - downstream activities
unrest, conflicts and war
waterway and maritime transport
Tankers burn as Iranian strikes defy Trump’s ‘victory’
Massive fireballs have lit up the sky over the Gulf as Iranian attacks on oil tankers flout President Donald Trump's claim the US has won its war with Tehran.
Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike
Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.
agriculture
conflict (general)
diesel fuel
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
farms
food - consumer goods
politics (general)
‘Significant spikes’: servos to face huge gouging fines
Service stations could face $100 million fines for intentionally ripping off customers as panic buying places consumers under pressure at the pump.