Aged care pay hikes won’t hurt inflation, says minister
A 15 per cent pay rise for aged care workers won't lead to a further rise in inflation, the federal government says.
economy, business and finance
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
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‘Cooking the climate’ with subsidies for gas producers
Record taxpayer dollars paid to traditional energy firms are "cooking the climate" when budgets should be funding action to stop climate change, research shows.
US central bank lifts rates by 25 basis points
The US central bank has reinforced its fight against inflation by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point to the highest level in 16 years.
Reserve Bank hands out surprise interest rate hike
Australia's central bank has lifted interest rates again after taking a break from increases last month and has kept more tightening in play if needed.
Aussie shares hit three-week low after RBA hikes rates
Local shares have collectively fallen 0.9 per cent after the Reserve Bank surprised the market with another rate hike.
Retail trade lifts modestly but spending starts to dip
Spending on takeaway food and cafes drove retail sales slightly higher over the month but consumers are dropping less cash on discretionary items.
‘Should be shocked’, workers could earn more at Maccas
A major recruitment drive will soon target workers for the childcare sector but they could be earning more money flipping burgers at Maccas.
Treasurer pledges broad cost-of-living relief
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the Albanese government's second budget will aim to help a broad range of people facing cost-of-living pressures.
Interest rate hike number 11 sparks recession worries
The Reserve Bank's decision to fire off another interest rate hike has some worried the economy might get hammered too hard.
Qantas reveals first female CEO to replace Alan Joyce
Qantas chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson will take the helm of the national carrier from long-standing head Alan Joyce when he retires in November.
Federal budget records small surplus over year to March
The federal budget recorded a surplus of just over $1 billion in the year to March, as the Labor government reaped higher than expected revenues.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
‘Bittersweet’ end of an era for coal-fired Liddell
After years of pressure from governments and investors about Liddell's future, decades of the power station's workers are gathering to farewell "the old girl".
Businesses fear missing out on opportunities in Asia
As Australia ramps up investment and trade opportunities with Asia, business leaders believe Australia is still missing out on opportunities in the region.
Inflation easing but workers still falling behind
Cost-of-living rises might have turned a corner, but increasing prices are still wreaking havoc on Australian households and businesses.
Record solar slashes wholesale energy prices, emissions
Record rooftop solar is taking the sting out power bills but the market operator says more transmission is needed to share cheap, clean energy with consumers.
Palaszczuk claims underdog status in fourth term quest
The Queensland premier says she will lead Labor in next year's election as the state opposition criticises a lack of progress on promised integrity reforms.
Pathway to budget balance littered with tough calls
Returning the federal budget to balance in less than a decade is possible, according to PwC modelling, but will take dogged commitment to fiscal repair.
Cash rate call on a knife edge as inflation slows
Official inflation data shows consumer prices have started to lose momentum but the cost of living remains punishingly high for Australian households.
‘Arrogant’ banks leaving bush residents at the bus stop
The Senate inquiry into the closure of regional bank branches has received nearly 300 submissions from country communities around Australia.
breaking_news
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
international (foreign) trade
natural gas
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Gas price caps extended as energy costs stoke inflation
Gas price controls will be extended to help households and business afford access, but the industry warns the measures won't fix supply issues.
RBA rate calls still face potential parliament veto
The RBA's reviewers have called for greater independence for the central bank but say the government will still be able to step in if the board goes rogue.
Going with the flow to charge a clean energy revolution
Non-lithium batteries may be needed for the next era of cutting-edge energy and a local firm has already done the hard yards on making them safe.
Financial pain not over by any stretch as fears mount
Financial stress levels are low but an unexpected expense can easily push borrowers over the edge, Australian Banking Association head Anna Bligh says.
The good oil has petroleum giants paying more tax
Oil and gas companies are pushing back on changes to tax that could result in the industry paying more, as the prospect of the change becomes more likely.
Labor, Coalition at odds over RBA board appointments
As the Albanese government seeks to enact the recommendations of a review of the Reserve Bank, the coalition has queried two new appointments.
RBA rejig promises better decisions and fewer mistakes
A major overhaul of the Reserve Bank of Australia will allow the creation of a new monetary policy board that will be more accountable and hold fewer meetings.
Treasurer steps in for casino talks as Star loses shine
The NSW treasurer hasn't taken a proposed casino tax hike off the table amid job losses at Star but will soon meet with workers and management.
breaking_news
economy, business and finance
finance (general)
house building
housing and urban planning
politics
Government bails out Porter Davis clients left in limbo
The Victorian government will stump up $15 million to pay back 560 Porter Davis customers who put down a deposit but never had insurance filed by the company.
Coal cap, record solar stabilise wholesale power prices
Consumers can expect some respite on energy bills next year as wholesale prices stabilise, but the Liddell coal plant closure will tighten the balance.
Advocates hopeful of single parent support in budget
The federal government is under pressure to boost funding for disadvantaged people in the May budget, with advocates saying there is a clear case for it.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics (general)
Trillions needed to scale up future of renewable energy
Clean export installations up north, production hubs in the south and pipelines crossing the nation map out Australia's future as a net-zero nation.