Complaints peak over financial distress, scams, delays
Unhappy customers have lodged a record number of complaints against financial organisations over monetary stress, scams and insurance delays.
economy, business and finance
European Central Bank raises key rate to historic high
The European Central Bank bank has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point - its ninth consecutive hike.
Scams on the rise as financial complaints balloon
Nina Merrilees had little reason to suspect she was being scammed when her daughter messaged from overseas, saying her phone was broken and asking for money.
Assange supporters call for release ahead of US talks
Australian ministers have been urged to raise the case of Julian Assange when they meet their US counterparts for annual talks.
Call to combat costs with solar-powered social housing
As homeowners fuel a rooftop solar power surge, states are being urged to improve access for renters, including those in social housing.
Hiking coal tax likely won’t lift power bills, NSW says
NSW is considering lifting the tax it charges on mined coal but has pointed to advice that any increase will have a negligible effect on power prices.
Smaller businesses hit hard by waning economy
Smaller businesses are bearing the brunt of the deteriorating economy, with conditions looking less optimistic for firms with fewer employees.
Rooftop solar surge eases wholesale electricity prices
Rooftop solar is reducing wholesale electricity prices but the market operator warns more transmission is needed to keep the lights on in a post-coal system.
US Fed raises rates to highest level in 22 years
The US central bank has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, saying inflation in the country remains elevated.
Healthy outlook for global economy but risks linger
Stronger growth and lower inflation suggest the global economy is heading in the right direction, but the International Monetary Fund warns challenges remain.
Israel’s Netanyahu takes hit in polls as crisis deepens
Israel's long-serving right-wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a hit in the polls as the country's judicial crisis deepens amid mass street protests.
Worker influx could aid ‘softest of economic landings’
A surge in new workers since Australia's borders reopened in 2021 could help deliver a gentle economic landing by taking heat out of the economy's supply side.
Top bureaucrat lands job of helping the nation prosper
A top-level recruit has been handed the task of boosting Australia's flagging productivity growth, but the opposition has already questioned his links to Labor.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
investments
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
politics
Call for energy investors to make most of ‘golden age’
Energy investors have been urged to take advantage of Australia's golden age in climate policy, with "crazy, science-denying" naysayers waiting in the wings.
Strong jobs market keeps pressure on interest rates
The resilience of the jobs market continues to beat expectations and could be bad news for mortgage holders hoping for another pause on interest rate rises.
BHP faces cost pressures, warns of economic volatility
BHP has posted a strong fourth quarter with annual production records at Western Australia iron ore, Olympic Dam and Spence, but warns of uncertain times.
Fears Coles milk buyout could sour market for farmers
There are concerns that a Coles plan to buy two milk processing plants will give the supermarket giant greater power and bargaining influence on the market.
Funding gap means growing pains for Australian unicorns
Australian technology startups are challenging Silicon Valley ventures for investment but need changes to education and funding to take on big firms.
Inflation debate makes RBA rates call a coin toss
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the latest jobs figures are a good surprise, despite fears the unemployment rate could lead to more pain for mortgage holders.
Rare dolphin rehab centre on the brink of closing
One of only two rehabilitation centres for injured wild dolphins in Australia may be forced to close its doors because of a lack of funding.
Fight to keep dolphin sanctuary from going under water
One of only two rehabilitation centres for injured wild dolphins in Australia may be forced to close its doors because of a lack of funding.
World-first clean energy deal taps deep local knowledge
With traditional owners already responsible for looking after country, it makes sense they're at the heart of a $3 billion East Kimberley clean energy deal.
Inflation results key to Reserve Bank rates decision
The latest inflation data will be crucial to where the Reserve Bank takes interest rates at its board meeting in August.
Renters at risk of stepping off ‘affordability cliff’
Tenants still face sharp price increases but easing vacancy rates suggest rental growth may be losing steam.
Thinking behind Reserve Bank’s ‘hawkish pause’ on show
Reserve Bank boss Philip Lowe will this week give a speech after keeping interest rates steady in July and the big four banks will be grilled by politicians.
Victorians to pay the country’s most property taxes
A report has laid bare the extent to which both the Victorian and NSW state budgets depend on property taxes.
Few plan to spend tax returns as economy stalls
Fear of a slowing economy and direct financial pressures are weighing on taxpayers, with most planning to bank their tax returns or service debts.
Relief for tenants as rental availability frees up
Renters may be finding it a little easier to find a home as vacancy rates ease across every capital city except Brisbane.
Consumers are not buying RBA’s interest rate pause
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Rates and inflation keeping clamp on consumer sentiment
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
‘More work required’ as EU, Australia fail to reach FTA
Australia and the European Union have failed to reach a free trade agreement, the European Commission says, and "more work is required" to address key issues.