Australia’s AAA rating affirmed
Strong demand for Australia's energy exports and the strong labour market have kept upwards pressure on the country's sovereign credit rating.
economy, business and finance
Retail trade sinks 3.9 per cent over festive season
Budget-conscious shoppers made the most of Black Friday sales, with retail sales then falling sharply weeks out from Christmas.
Towns putting up a fight as banks close
Regional communities are continuing to fight back against bank branch closures which could force some locals to travel hundreds of kilometres for service.
Greens threaten to derail emissions clamp
Labor's plan to reduce the ceiling on carbon emissions for some big companies doesn't go far enough, the Greens say.
Wholesale energy prices, emissions falling
Wholesale electricity prices and carbon emissions dropped in the December quarter as solar and wind became "most valuable player" in the Australian market.
Petrol set to soar before public holiday
Petrol prices are edging up in many parts of Australia before the January 26 public holiday.
Elon Musk claims his tweets boost Tesla
Tesla boss Elon Musk has defended his social media use in a call with investors, saying more car brands should use Twitter to interest buyers.
Gas shortfall concerns downgraded: ACCC
Australia is not out of the woods when it comes to a domestic gas shortfall but there's enough uncontracted supply available to cover the gap.
Fortescue’s electrolyser plant un-Plugged
Fortescue Future Industries' electrolyser plant is going ahead despite the loss of its 50-50 joint venture partner Plug Power - and there's no change in CEO.
Most expensive city for education revealed
Melbourne has proven to be Australia's most expensive city for a government education, while Canberra is the most affordable amid the cost of living crisis.
Inflation figures seal case for rate rise
Official inflation figures show inflation lifting higher than expected and setting the stage for further interest rate hikes in 2023.
Economy slows as inflation pressures ease
The economy is starting to lose momentum as businesses report easing price pressures and gloomier conditions.
Bailout backed to recoup crypto millions
Cryptocurrency firm Digital Surge will survive as creditors vote for a bailout after hours of questions put to administrators by some of the 30,000 investors.
Gas price cap places pressure on retailers
Retailers have been struggling to access affordable long-term gas for their industrial and commercial customers, raising questions about energy policy.
Qld eyes $1.3b lithium-ion battery sector
Queensland could be a world leader in mining and refining raw materials needed for batteries, making cells, assembling packs and recycling, a report says.
China a ‘big story’ for Australia’s growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains upbeat about Australia's resilience in the face of economic headwinds and some domestic challenges.
Treasurer optimistic on real wage growth
The federal government expects wages will keep growing strongly as inflation moderates, ultimately leading to real wage growth by 2024.
Sweet breakthrough in bio-manufacturing
Queensland's biofuture is expanding with future foods in the works and sugarcane enzymes providing sustainable answers for alternative aviation fuel.
Australia to make electric buses go round
More electric buses could be made in Australia after one state announced plans to seek feedback into manufacturing more vehicles.
Trade, investment key to peaceful Pacific
Former foreign minister Julie Bishop has told an international forum Japan would have greater credibility as a regional leader if it reformed its own economy.
Unemployment rate stays at 3.5 per cent
Australia's unemployment rate remains stuck at 3.5 per cent, with 14,600 jobs disappearing from the economy in the latest official statistics.
Unemployment rate steady in mixed result
Australia's unemployment rate remains stuck at 3.5 per cent, with 14,600 jobs disappearing from the economy in the latest official statistics.
Floods to wreak further havoc on economy
Natural disasters caused billions in damage to the Australian economy in 2022 and the bill is expected to rise from further floods.
Next mining boom to lift up disadvantaged
Australia's rich critical mineral and clean energy resources could be harnessed to drive economic prosperity as seen in the mid-2010s mining boom.
How to become a commercial drone pilot
Thousands of Australians are taking up new opportunities to work with drones in sectors such as data collection, agriculture, mapping and even entertainment.
Budget airline Bonza gets all clear to fly
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has ticked off on budget airline Bonza to operate flights in Australia.
Qld to fast-track oil refinery upgrade
The Queensland government will speed up approvals for Ampol to upgrade its oil refinery in Brisbane, which could keep it open until 2030.
Good news for renters as hot market cools
The red-hot rental market seems to be cooling but vulnerable renters are still under pressure from sky-high prices.
Annual inflation bounces back
Housing and transport costs fed into Australia's higher inflation score for November after a softer October result.
Carbon border tariff on the table
The government is considering a tariff on polluting imports so that Australian firms covered by environmental regulations can remain competitive.
Big emitters get help to manage emissions
New compensation will go to big emitters under a revamped scheme designed to support heavy industry to cut pollution more quickly while remaining profitable.