Further rate rise to hit family budgets
The Reserve Bank of Australia board lifted the official cash rate to 1.35 per cent, adding to cost pressures on households.
economy, business and finance
Union condemns more regional bank closures
Westpac is defending a decision to close 24 bank branches across Australia, including many in regional areas.
EU and New Zealand sign free trade deal
The European Union has struck a free trade deal with New Zealand, 14 years after the idea was first proposed.
House prices in descent as rates rise
Home values fell across the country in June, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, after the central bank raised interest rates for the second month in a row.
Aus energy grid needs urgent upgrades
The power market operator AEMO has released a roadmap for the sector as it continues to transition to more renewable and gas energy sources.
Post-pandemic tourism rakes in $18 billion for Queensland
Queensland is leading Australia's tourism industry out of the COVID-19 downturn with domestic visitors staying longer and spending more in the Sunshine State.
SA company fined over power rules breach
A Federal Court judge has ordered the operator of South Australia's Tesla big battery to pay a $900,000 fine over breaches of the national electricity rules.
Qld-NSW floods were 3rd costliest disaster
The unprecedented floods that swept through southeast Queensland and northern NSW earlier this year caused $4.8 billion in insured damages.
Sentiment lifts from the depths of despair
Consumer confidence has improved for a second consecutive week after a slump earlier in the month as a result of a large rise in interest rates.
Believe in RBA to avoid recession: Lowe
Australians must trust in the Reserve Bank's plan to lead inflation back down to regular levels, or risk triggering a recession, RBA governor Philip Lowe says.
Booze now, pay later apps prompt concern
Experts are worried people using buy now, pay later services for alcohol will lead to "financial hangovers".
Positive signs ahead for motorists
Easing global oil prices on fears of an economic slowdown could help motorists with their seemingly ever growing petrol bill.
Greens war on tax cuts ahead of budget
The Greens are going to war against tax cuts for higher earners that were locked in by the coalition, saying they have no place in Labor's first budget.
Qantas flags bonuses, eyes fare increases
The airline is offering a one-off cash bonus to thousands of staff if an enterprise agreement can be struck as it prepares to increase fares.
Farmers join forces in environmental push
An Australian first farming mutual has launched focused on rewarding producers financially for the environmental improvements made to their land.
Plastics purge tops shoppers’ wishlist
Shoppers rate reducing the use of plastics as the top action businesses can take on sustainability and climate change to win trust, loyalty and dollars.
ACF bid to halt Scarborough gas project
The Australian Conservation Foundation has asked a court to halt progress on the Scarborough gas project off Western Australia until reef impacts are assessed.
Scientists call for end to dam projects
Scientists warn expanding Wyangala Dam in central western NSW will have detrimental impacts on farmers and the environment, and want dam projects abandoned.
‘Diabolical’ energy situation closes Enova
Enova Community Energy and its retail energy arm Enova Energy have been placed into voluntary administration, a victim of what they say is a "broken market".
‘R-word’ not on RBA governor’s horizon
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe says a recession in Australia is not on his horizon, but after the past two years nothing can ever be ruled out.
‘Reform’ budget for NSW ahead of election
After more than a decade in power, the NSW coalition government has delivered a "transformational" budget as it prepares for an election in nine months.
Qld budget ‘back in black’, taxes to rise
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick will hike taxes on big businesses, gambling companies and coal miners to fund more hospital beds and mental health programs.
Energy markets give everyone a headache
Some say Australia's National Electricity Market is broken and are demanding a whole of system review. Others believe only some timely repairs are required.
breaking_news
coal
economy, business and finance
energy
environmental issue
investments
natural gas
politics
Experts reject ‘reheated’ energy blueprint
A 'reheated' proposal by regulators to pay coal plants and renewable generators to guarantee supply to the struggling electricity grid has come under fire.
Planned $100b overhaul of industrial heart
Emissions could be slashed from refineries, gas pipelines, steelworks and other industries under a $100 billion plan backed by Australia's biggest companies.
Macron looks to salvage a ruling majority
Voters have punished Emmanuel Macron's allies in France's parliamentary election, forcing the president to try to cobble together a majority to save his agenda.
Energy supply sufficient for weekend: AEMO
Supply issues facing Australia's electricity market have improved, with the market operator saying demand will be able to be met this weekend.
US central bank hikes by 75 basis points
The US Federal Reserve has approved its largest interest rate increase in more than a quarter of a century to stem a surge in inflation.
Court approves $8.9b Crown takeover
The federal court has approved Blackstone's $8.9 billion takeover of Crown Resorts, with James Packer to receive more than $3b from the deal.
Rising rates send confidence reeling
Consumer confidence has tumbled to multi-year lows in the face of sharply rising interest rates, but low paid workers may gain a lift from a large pay rise.
WA coal-fired power plants to shut by 2029
About 1200 workers will be affected by the West Australian government's decision to close its last remaining coal-fired power stations in coming years.