‘Dare to say mining is ok’ and dig in for global change
Governments need to be bold and brave to increase supplies of materials for electric cars, solar panels and wind turbines, the mining industry says.
economy, business and finance
Qld eyes critical minerals amid coal lobby backlash
The Queensland government has launched a $245 million strategy for critical minerals found in the state's northwest to spur manufacturing of renewables.
Rent freezes and rent caps will only worsen, not solve Australia’s rental crisis
Australia used rent controls effectively during the two world wars. However, they have been used in other countries without much success. Using basic economic principles, there is evidence freezes worsen inequality and actually reduce availability.
Tainted PwC partners and staff to be publicly named
As PwC appoints a new CEO and offloads its government business, an inquiry has heard an investigation into the tax scandal will name culprits.
Minerals project pipeline could throttle climate action
The mining industry has been warned investment plans are still geared to gradual climate action, leaving the world short on supplies for a swift energy change.
Low productivity growth bringing less bang for the buck
Anaemic productivity growth is fuelling Australia's cost of living woes and immediate action is needed to fix the problem, an independent official warns.
Housing bill on ice puts double dissolution in play
The Albanese government's signature housing policy has failed to pass parliament and could set the stage for an early election.
Treasurer’s ‘big call’ on RBA top job due in weeks
The treasurer is expected to make a decision about the leadership of the Reserve Bank of Australia as existing governor Philip Lowe's term draws to a close.
Aussie charities take $13.4 billion in donations
Australian charities, including churches and universities, recorded a jump in donations to $13.4 billion in 2021 and employed more than 10 per cent of workers.
Tight jobs market adds to interest rate uncertainty
The Reserve Bank hiked interest rates last month due to inflation risks bubbling under the surface, but it has been revealed the decision was "finely balanced".
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Critical minerals plan ‘sets a floor, not a ceiling’
More than a quarter of a million new jobs could be up for grabs if Australia can supply factory-ready materials for the world's electric cars and clean energy.
Economy falters as rattled consumers tighten belts
Australia is on track for two years of sluggish economic growth that may be even weaker than first feared.
Treasurer allays recession fears as economy slows
While key government bodies don't expect the economy to go backwards, Australians have been warned to prepare for a global slowdown.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
industrial production
mining
AGL accelerates big batteries to drive energy change
Australia's top emitter AGL Energy expects the popularity of electric cars to accelerate and drive increased consumption of energy that must become green.
Profit upgrade electrifies AGL Energy, power bills soar
AGL Energy says it will spend more than $10 billion over the next decade to exit coal but high wholesale power prices mean profits will more than double.
Truck drivers protest at Aldi over safety standards
Transport workers are protesting at Aldi stores as the union says the German supermarket giant is putting drivers under pressure.
US central bank Federal Reserve leaves rates unchanged
The US central bank has kept interest rates unchanged in a decision that snaps a string of 10 consecutive rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.
breaking_news
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
Gas code promises secure supply at ‘reasonable’ prices
A code of conduct will be imposed on gas producers to avert future price shocks for consumers but the industry fears it could stymie investment in new supply.
Health spending boost as SA budget slides into the red
South Australia's finances have taken a hit but the government has pressed on with extra health spending ahead of Thursday's state budget.
Consumer confidence plunges to another three-year low
The latest interest rate rise has knocked consumers around and caused sentiment to sink closer to levels last seen at the start of the pandemic.
PM’s vision for a renewable energy superpower nation
Australia must break new ground and grab opportunities with both hands, the prime minister has declared in a major speech, stressing renewable energy uptake.
Housing affordability, access, top concerns amid crisis
Gaining access to adequate housing has become harder in most states and territories, with the exception of Victoria.
Greens refine demands on $10 billion housing fund
Negotiations continue over the federal housing fund with the Greens urging Labor to meet them halfway to secure the party's support.
Insurance issue flagged before Porter Davis collapse
A Victorian working group identified a number of short-term measures to fix the construction industry months before Porter Davis went into liquidation.
Drivers face pump pain as profits fuel inflation debate
Motorists are being urged to shop around before the three-day weekend as international research suggests company profits are pushing up inflation.
NRL great joins race for carbon-free commercial flight
Johnathan Thurston's Skytrans aims to make Australia's first emissions-free commercial flight through a new aviation and green hydrogen alliance.
Australia’s economy losing steam as pressures mount
Australia's economic performance is starting to wane as aggressive interest rate increases continue to bite.
A quarter of homes are bought mortgage-free
The value of homes bought with cash is trending up, with the bulk of purchases made by older Australians moving to the regions to retire.
New blow for home owners as interest rates rise again
The battle against inflation is not over yet as the Reserve Bank board hikes again and takes the cash rate to its highest level since April 2012.
Off-grid hydrogen box could replace diesel generators
A shipping container-sized energy system has been developed by hydrogen startup Endua for remote sites, potentially eliminating millions of diesel generators.
Council rates shake up, as NSW lags behind other states
IPART has released a draft report proposing changes to council rate capping, saying it is timely for the NSW government to hold an independent inquiry.