Rooftop solar pays its own way as more homes switch on
The Australian solar industry contracted for the first time in 10 years in 2023 as fewer large-scale arrays went online, but rooftop systems continued to shine.
economy, business and finance
Bill shock to ease as cost of power falls, solar shines
Consumers are set to benefit as the national electricity grid uses less coal and gas-fired electricity and the share of renewable energy hits a record.
Tax changes spark calls for complete system redesign
Half of the nation's high-income earners back Labor's proposed tax changes as analysis shows most of the benefits will still flow to the rich.
Godfreys enters administration, with 54 stores to close
Voluntary administrators expect 171 Godfreys staff in Australia will be made redundant as the company's store count is reduced by more than a third.
Competition and rivalry found to force lower airfares
A little competition goes a long way in bringing down airfares, based on fresh research from a federal task force.
Shoppers in retreat after Black Friday boost
Australian retail sales plummeted in the final weeks of 2023 with shoppers doing their Christmas shopping a month early when goods go on sale.
HK court orders troubled China Evergrande to liquidate
A Hong Kong court has ordered the world's most indebted property developer, China Evergrande Group, to liquidate after it failed to reach a debt deal.
Albanese ‘hopeful’ for Senate support in tax cut change
The prime minister is standing by his changes to stage three tax cuts, remaining confident parliament will support the amended plans.
South Australia nabs top spot in state economic ranking
Australian states are all facing economic headwinds but some are more resilient than others, with South Australia performing better than the rest.
Treasurer ‘not considering’ changes to negative gearing
The treasurer has poured cold water on suggestions Labor will go further with tax reform and target negative gearing after rejigging stage three tax cuts.
PM to take stage three tax change pitch to regions
Anthony Albanese has challenged the crossbench to back in changes to stage three tax cuts, ahead of a regional sales pitch of the proposed reforms.
PM stands by tax cut changes for ‘every Australian’
The prime minister has brushed off criticism of proposed changes to promised tax cuts, saying he has a responsibility to help Australians in financial stress.
PM open to crossbench talks on tax cut changes
As the Greens urge further changes to stage three tax cuts, the prime minister says he is open to negotiations to ensure their passage through parliament.
Independent MPs ‘conflicted’ by tax cut changes
Changes to tax cuts would help lower income Australians, but some independent MPs are concerned about the impact on their affluent constituents.
Albanese tax plan will give average earner $1500 tax cut – more than double Morrison’s Stage 3
A person on the average annual wage of $73,000 will get a tax cut of more than $1500 a year under Labor’s revamped tax policy – more than double the cut they’d have received under the Coalition’s legislated stage 3 plan.
Sea changers flock to more affordable coastal towns
Home buyers moving to the seaside are looking to buy for well under $1 million, with affordable coastal markets in Western Australia booming.
PM justifies rejigged tax cuts as cost-of-living relief
The prime minister has backed his government's reworked income tax package as the best way forward for struggling workers.
Woolworths CEO defends Australia Day merchandise choice
Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has backed the supermarket's choice not to stock Australia Day merchandise as staff report more and more abuse.
House prices smash records, wiping out downturn losses
Australia's housing sector has recouped all losses from the 2022 downturn to end 2023 smashing median price records across all capital cities.
Plastic makes up the majority of Aussie marine litter
Plastic made up 79 per cent of the rubbish collected from Australia's urban rivers, bays and beaches over the past three years, conservationists say.
Labor on vote-buying spree promising tax cuts for all
Anthony Albanese is promising middle Australia will be the focus of cost-of-living support, as speculation mounts about changes to stage three tax cuts.
Salaries on the rise, outstripping inflation
New data shows advertised salaries are rising faster than inflation, as the government comes under pressure to ditch stage three tax cuts.
DP World warns of more port strikes due to bargaining
Executives for DP World say new multi-employer bargaining laws would lead to further port strikes across Australia as its own pay dispute continues.
PM looking for extra dollars for those ‘doing it tough’
Cost-of-living relief could be on the way as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to Canberra to find ways to ease the pressure on Australians.
Financial relief on the cards as MPs rush to Canberra
Cost-of-living relief could be on the horizon as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to the capital to talk economic strategy.
Cost of living pressures mount on first cabinet meeting
Anthony Albanese's cabinet is meeting in Canberra more than a week before parliament resumes as living costs raise pressure on households and government.
Labor MPs to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
Labor MPs have been called back to Canberra to meet before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Cabinet meet to discuss rising cost-of-living pressures
The federal cabinet has been called back to Canberra before parliament resumes as the Albanese government looks to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Economy strong but slowdown on horizon, IMF warns
In its latest assessment of the Australian economy, the International Monetary Fund says growth is set to slow, despite more resilience than other nations.
Supermarkets to face inquiry over grocery prices
Major supermarkets are set to face a Queensland parliamentary inquiry following a meeting with state premier Steven Miles.
Rate cut prospects up in the air as labour market cools
Some economists predict a softening labour market could bode well for interest rate cuts after Australia's jobless rate plateaued at 3.9 per cent in December.