Woolies cites post-COVID instability in prices stoush
Australia's biggest supermarket chain has defended its discounts, as the consumer watchdog's joint court case against Woolies and Coles nears the finish line.
economy, business and finance
Hopes of wartime windfall shot down for federal budget
The federal treasurer is being urged not to grandfather tax breaks for asset-holders in the budget as the economic impact of the Iran war worsens.
Musk testifies he didn’t read ‘fine print’ about OpenAI
Elon Musk has sparred with a lawyer for OpenAI during his third day of testimony in a trial over the firm's pivot away from its non-profit status.
Australia will avoid recession, despite global jitters
One of the big four banks has delivered encouraging news about Australia's chances of avoiding a recession, which could still emerge in the global economy.
Big bunnies and grog sales take a wartime shopping hit
Coles shoppers adjusted their spending patterns after the Middle East war began, spending less on liquor and even buying smaller Easter chocolate bunnies.
Clean up AI or go away: rules proposed for data centres
Artificial intelligence companies should promise they have not broken the law before building a data centre in Australia, an inquiry has been told.
Rail service slashes weekday trains during union fight
Commuters in an Australian capital are set to be hit by reduced weekday train services due to industrial action on the state network.
Fiscal restraint to define federal budget as costs rise
Health, defence and welfare commitments are among fiscal pressures weighing on the federal budget as Treasurer Jim Chalmers vows to put a lid on spending.
Close call tipped as Reserve Bank mulls third rate hike
Traders and economists expect the central bank to raise interest rates for a third straight meeting but high uncertainty could result in another split decision.
Budget to address ‘immediate needs’ of households: PM
The upcoming federal budget is widely tipped to pare back incentives for property investors as the prime minister promises to tackle intergenerational inequity.
Australia turns to Japan to help soften ‘global shocks’
Australia will be less vulnerable to global events such as the fuel crisis after signing a series of agreements with Japan, Anthony Albanese says.
Right tax moves matter more than mandates: treasurer
Expected changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax would not break an election promise because they would be for the right reasons, Jim Chalmers says.
Most Aussies ready to withstand another rate hike: NAB
The majority of business and retail customers have solid buffers and will be able to deal with an anticipated interest rate hike, a big four bank says.
Aussies losing almost $5b in unpaid super every year
One in four Australian workers have been deprived of superannuation payments by employers, which could have a huge impact on their retirement nest egg.
Third RBA rate hike might not be the end for borrowers
Mortgage holders are back to square one after a third straight Reserve Bank rate hike, adding hundreds of dollars more to interest repayments since February.
‘Downside risks’: warning as state debt edges to $200b
A $200 billion state budget debt bomb remains live and ticking as a long-time Labor government favours cost-of-living measures for struggling families.
Stalled methane fight risks climate, energy security
Concerted efforts to curb methane from fossil fuel production in Australia and around the world could benefit both the climate and energy security.
Big bank warns of recession risk as uncertainty lingers
The head of Australia's second-largest bank is more worried about businesses delaying investment decisions than the impact of higher interest rates.
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
Hantavirus-hit cruise ship to head to Spain
Spain is allowing a cruise ship hit by hantavirus and three deaths to dock in the Canary Islands, as authorities investigate if transmission occurred on board.
Trump pauses effort to escort ships in Strait of Hormuz
Donald Trump says the US initiative to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is being paused to see if an agreement with Iran can be finalised.
Fuel bonus as WA posts eighth straight budget surplus
More than $1 billion in cost-of-living relief will be shared in Western Australia as the state capitalises on an iron ore uplift to bank another budget surplus.
Lenders told to ‘support customers’ facing hard times
Lenders must watch out for customers because the corporate regulator won't take a backward step as households face hardship, the outgoing ASIC chair will warn.
Aussie shares fall as war dims hopes for US rate cuts
The Australian share market has dropped 1.2 per cent after Donald Trump extended a ceasefire but his pick to lead the Fed has adopted a hawkish stance.
Tesla profits rises in Q1 as Musk teases Roadster debut
Tesla, the electric vehicle maker run by billionaire Elon Musk, earned $US477 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 17 per cent from a year ago.
Home builder cautious over war impact on supply chains
A major home builder says overall sales are healthy, despite some signs of a moderation in activity in April, as it watches supply chain impacts from the war.
Oil and gas giant feels the heat from climate activists
Shareholders have jeered as protesters concerned about the environment repeatedly disrupted a meeting hosted by Australia's biggest oil and gas company.
Extra diesel shipments prioritised for regional areas
Two additional cargo ships of diesel will come into Australia, bringing in 100 million litres of supply after deals struck with two major fuel companies.
Impact on inflation from fuel price hike to be revealed
The first inflation figures since the Iran war started, causing petrol prices to skyrocket, will give clues on its cost - with home-buyers watching closely.
‘Manosphere’ rise requires new gender equality approach
Gender equality activists have gathered for a landmark conference aimed at charting a new way forward as anti-rights movements gain traction.
Tech ‘perfect storm’ needs ambitious online safety plan
Online safety advocates say a global push from governments is required to ensure tech companies design their products with the safety of citizens in mind.