UK’s Starmer wants more cooperation on Ukraine, Europe
UK hosting the European Political Community conference shows hope for friendlier ties with the EU, post Brexit.
economy, business and finance
‘Gutted like a fish’: Forrest on Fortescue job losses
Andrew Forrest says the Fortescue Group will continue to pursue its green hydrogen plan despite slashing 700 jobs in a bid to cut costs.
Mixed jobs data highlights rate balancing act for RBA
Demand for labour is still strong enough to soak up extra workers as the population grows, according to fresh Australian Bureau of Statistics jobs data.
Govt confident in power plant after explosion report
The Queensland government believes the state-owned operators of a power plant will do better after safety failings were revealed in a report on an explosion.
Signs point to slow start for economy in new year
Australia can expect lacklustre economic growth into early next year, with small businesses particularly vulnerable to sour economic conditions.
Online shopping spree despite cost-of-living crisis
Australians are still turning to online retail therapy despite household spending slowing due to cost-of-living pressures.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
government
natural gas
politics
Gridlock on new energy transmission adds to bill shock
Delays for energy transmission projects over the past decade, under both major parties, are adding to power bills and making the nation's network less reliable.
Banks lashed for ripping off poorer customers
The market watchdog has slammed four major banks for causing financial distress to more than two million Australians by systematically overcharging on fees.
Echoes of pandemic as freight woes lift consumer prices
Australians could be forced to spend more on items ranging from confectionery to luxury items and medical goods as a result of global shipping issues.
Cheaper materials take edge off home-building costs
Residential construction costs have finally stabilised after a prolonged period of strong price growth put pressure on the industry.
Smart meters to keep the lights on, one home at a time
Some $50 million for the latest home energy tech aims to help consumers save money by controlling car charging, solar panels, batteries, hot water and aircon.
Gas before nuclear ‘thought bubble’ as coal reign ends
Gas will keep the lights on in Australia's most populous state, the NSW energy minister says, while dismissing a proposed nuclear power option.
Pacific banking bolstered with federal $6 million boost
Banking services in Pacific nations will be strengthened with $6.3 million from the federal government, as Australian financial services are urged to stay.
Pacific banks to be boosted with federal funding
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has urged Australian banks to stay in Pacific nations, with $6.3 million set aside to provide support to the finance sector in the area.
Gas before nuclear ‘thought bubble’ in net-zero race
More gas will keep the lights on in Australia's most populous state but nuclear power remains a pipe dream, the NSW energy minister says.
Funding injection to help keep banks in Pacific
The federal government will inject millions into shoring up banking services in the Pacific, with the treasurer urging Australian banks to stay in the region.
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
Forum seeks fix for Pacific’s sinking banking services
The driving forces behind banking services cuts in the Pacific and how to prevent a mass exodus is being investigated at an inaugural forum in Brisbane.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Next stop … good public transport that actually works
Australia's suburbanites are too often relegated to a life of car-dependency that is polluting the climate and leaving streets more congested and less safe.
Pacific’s dwindling banking services in the spotlight
The first Pacific Banking Forum will investigate why banking services are dwindling in the region and consider how to ensure a sustainable financial system.
Adeang: China support can ‘transform’ Nauru
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
President Adeang backs Nauru’s switch to China
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Renter relief finally hits with more cooling in sight
After months of fast-rising rents, momentum is starting to tip in favour of tenants as more homes become available.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.
Sombre retail sales likely as consumer pain persists
Prising open wallets has been tough as tough financial conditions batter households and retail sales figures are likely to show a continuation of the trend.
Aust, NZ fund Solomons airfield in development race
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed a $55 million investment in Seghe Airfield that could unlock the region's tourism potential.
‘No smoking gun’ to hike rates though prices risks lurk
The path to beat inflation without tanking the economy is getting narrower, the Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed in minutes from its last meeting.