Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
economy, business and finance
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.
‘Drover’s dog’ could deliver budget surplus: Coalition
The coalition has rained on any sense of achievement Jim Chalmers might feel if he delivers a budget surplus, saying the test will be if it can be maintained.
Billion-dollar gas tax plan faces a major hurdle
The opposition wants more detail before backing the government's plan to overhaul the petroleum resource rent tax, while the Greens say it needs to go further.
New coal mines plans buried by federal minister
The China Stone Coal and Range Coal projects have been cancelled because the companies involved have not being willing to show how they would protect nature.
budgets and budgeting
coal
economy, business and finance
employment
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
mining
politics
National body to ease shock of clean energy transition
The federal budget will fund a national authority to manage the job losses and opportunities in switching from coal-fired power to widespread renewable energy.
‘Missed opportunity’ for Glencore on coal disclosures
Big investors say coal giant Glencore is blocking the full assessment of risk from thermal coal exposure amid the international switch to renewable energy.
RBA flags inflation concern over tighter rental squeeze
The red-hot rental market is one source of uncertainty hanging over the Reserve Bank's plan to hammer down inflation.
Short-term budget bounce but long-term pressures remain
A temporary boost to the budget bottom line will be welcome but fast-growing spending is likely to keep pressure on federal government finances.
Treasurer calls on banks to give rate rises to savers
Jim Chalmers says savers are unhappy that banks aren't passing on interest rate hikes to them as quickly as they are to borrowers.
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.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
‘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
politics
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.