Public service jobs on line as poll battlelines form
The coalition has doubled down on plans to axe public service jobs if elected as the prime minister goes into bat for Australians working from home.
economy, business and finance
Budget week to bring inflation, cost-of-living news
The Albanese government will look to further ease cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation when it delivers its fourth budget.
Consultants in firing line amid public servant stoush
The coalition wants to slash public servant numbers but Labor says the alternative is costly consultants, as both sides lavish voters with cost-of-living help.
Carney calls snap vote, says Trump has sights on Canada
Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election asking for a mandate to tackle US President Donald Trump who he says wants to "own" Canada.
‘Optimism’ in budget as Australia seen turning a corner
The cost of living will be centre stage in the government's budget as many continue to do it tough, but a cabinet minister says there is reason to have hope.
Tariffs on cars, aluminium, pharmaceuticals soon: Trump
Tariffs on vehicles, aluminium and pharmaceuticals will be announced in the near future, US President Donald Trump says.
Taxpayers to get $10 a week cut in pre-election budget
All taxpayers will get two rounds of cuts but only starting from July 2026, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers makes the case for a second Labor term.
EU trade chief meets with Trump officials over tariffs
US President Donald Trump has said he may give "a lot of countries" breaks on tariffs, but has provided no further details on which ones are included.
Another retailer goes out of fashion, 600 jobs at risk
Retail chain Jeanswest has collapsed after more than five decades in business, threatening hundreds of jobs with more than 90 stores likely to close.
Trump ratchets up trade war with 25 per cent car tariff
Markets are reacting to President Donald Trump's announcement of new import taxes of 25 per cent on cars and car parts coming into the US.
Feds accept GST recommendation despite state pressure
A controversial GST carve-up will go ahead as a federal minister says his government will not overrule an independent body's recommended funding for states.
US aligns with G7, urges Russia to accept ceasefire
Fears the US would continue to draw away from the West were unfounded at the G7 summit, as it joined allies in warning Russia to accept the proposed ceasefire.
US launches large-scale strikes on Yemen’s Houthis
The US has launched a series of airstrikes on Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis after they resumed attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
An Indigenous-owned distillery born over a few drinks
A First Nations-owned business is one of Australia's most celebrated producers of organic spirits, after a "rollercoaster" journey on the road to success.
US tariffs should be a ‘wake-up call’ for Australia
Australia has been warned against relying on Donald Trump as it continues to try to negotiate for an exemption from the US president's trade tariffs.
Cyclone’s blow to budget as food, building costs hit
The full impact of the destruction wrought by Cyclone Alfred is being assessed, with grocery and construction prices under pressure.
Treasurer to tighten belt in ‘few surprises’ budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hosed down speculation of a major upgrade to forecast revenue and warned of "few surprises" on budget night.
Sunshine State dark as mining boom costs GST billions
One state has gone backwards in the latest recommended GST revenue carve-up with billions of dollars flowing to another as its population booms.
Consumer confidence surges on back of interest rate cut
Australia's economic outlook is looking rosier as inflation continues to fall and following the first decline in interest rates in more than four years.
Leading economists call out coalition’s inflation claim
As the economy looks set to be front and centre in the election campaign, one of the coalition's leading inflation claims has been called "a joke" by experts.
Trump metal tariffs kick in as global trade war looms
President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports to 25 per cent, prompting criticism from allies retaliation from the EU.
Major super fund sued over tardy death benefit payouts
AustralianSuper is the latest major super fund to face legal action for allegedly failing to pay out benefits to families of dead members in a timely manner.
Trump metals tariffs draw swift Canada, EU retaliation
Canada and Europe have been quick to retaliate after President Donald Trump's metals tariffs came into effect.
US budget deficit hits record $US1.147 trillion
The Treasury Department reports the US deficit in February rose $US11 billion from the same month in 2024.
Post-pandemic property price roller-coaster to flatten
There are signs the housing market in normalising five years after the COVID-19 pandemic sent home values soaring across Australia.
Super housing scheme could shave years off home wait
Australians raiding their super balances for housing could boost home ownership but may result in a jump in prices, economists say.
Trump threatens to slap Europe with monster grog taxes
Stocks have dropped again after Donald Trump threatened a 200 per cent wine tariff on the EU if it doesn't relent on plans to lift taxes on US whiskey.
Mark Carney wins race to replace Trudeau as Canada’s PM
Former central banker Mark Carney has launched a scathing attack on Donald Trump after winning the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister.
‘Insurance catastrophe’ declared, 3000 claims so far
Thousands of insurance claims have been made during ex-tropical cyclone Alfred's assault but its still early to estimate the total damage bill.
Home approvals rise as Australia’s economy turns corner
Promising housing data and a return to growth in real household incomes augur well for the Australian economy in 2025.
Rich getting richer: wealth divide hits record high
Australia's wealth divide reached its worst level in more than two decades, after excluding a temporary narrowing during the COVID-19 pandemic.