Jobless rate steady at 3.9 per cent
Australia's jobless rate has plateaued at 3.9 per cent after both employment and unemployment fell in December, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.
economy, business and finance
Supermarkets under scrutiny over food costs
Queensland Premier Steven Miles is set to meet supermarket bosses over the rising cost of groceries.
Russia got $A4.4b of military goods despite sanctions
Russia has been able to purchase some $A4.4b worth of Western components to produce weapons like the "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles.
Gaza conflict ‘gutwrenching’, Blinken tells Davos meet
The US is in demand in the face of global challenges ranging from war in Gaza and Ukraine to tensions over Taiwan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken says.
Insolvency on the rise, as opposition attacks govt fund
The coalition have criticised the government for the number of manufacturing businesses going under as insolvency levels rise above pre-COVID levels.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters
Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.
Jetsetters and shoppers spend big as confidence returns
Australians are spending more on travel, insurance and online shopping as inflation reached its lowest levels since January 2022.
PM confirms contentious stage three tax cuts to stay
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost-of-living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
Under 35s driving cruise ship resurgence
Having been hit hard by the pandemic, the cruise industry is working hard to recover and entice a new generation aboard.
agriculture
coal
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
indigenous people
mining
natural gas
politics
water
Water trigger ‘too vague’ to stop onshore gas expansion
Tweaked environmental laws remain too loose to safeguard water supplies and tackle threats to food growers and country from onshore gas wells, research shows.
Aussies will still get their tax cuts: Anthony Albanese
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost of living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
Twiggy attacks Woodside’s ‘death race’ gas project
Australia's second richest person, mining magnate Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, has renewed his attack on the fossil fuel industry and Woodside Energy.
‘Softer’ year ahead as spending and loan growth slow
After a year of surging rental prices and cost-of-living expenses, relief could be on the cards for borrowers with economists raising hopes for a soft landing.
X slammed for creating ‘perfect storm’ of online hate
Social media website X has been slammed by the eSafety Commissioner for breeding online hate since being acquired by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Inflation surprise all but confirms end to rate hikes
Economists are sounding the death knell for the sharpest interest rate tightening cycle since the 1980s after inflation dropped faster than expected.
Record Australian rent price streak finally over
The average asking price for renting a house in Australia's capital cities has remained steady after almost three years of consecutive growth.
US and UK forces say warships repel attack in Red Sea
Naval forces from the United States and the United Kingdom say they have shot down drones and missiles fired by Houthi rebels into the Red Sea.
Seachangers help Brisbane property prices top Melbourne
A wave of interstate migrants seeking sun over lockdowns has helped average dwelling prices in Brisbane surpass Melbourne for the first time in a decade.
World Bank forecasts 2024 global growth to slow
The global economy will slow for a third consecutive year in 2024, the World Bank predicts.
Hundreds of jobs axed as Alcoa winds up old refinery
US alumina giant Alcoa says it will shut down a 60-year-old refinery south of Perth, where hundreds of workers are expected to lose their jobs.
Black Friday sales get tills ringing as Aussies cash in
Early Christmas shopping and Black Friday sales helped boost retail spending during November as savvy Australian consumers cashed in on bargains.
economic indicator
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
lifestyle (house and home)
rental service
No solace for city renters as prices continue to surge
Economists say there could be relief on the horizon for renters, despite prices growing in every capital city in the last months of 2023.
Storm clouds loom for economy as rain, floods take toll
The fallout from severe storms in Queensland could lead to consequences for the economy and budget bottom line, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
Black Friday splurge shifting numbers in retail readout
Retail data is likely to reveal shopper enthusiasm for Black Friday discounts ahead of fresh stats on Australian consumer prices, housing and jobs.
Some Boeing planes grounded after midair window blowout
The emergency landing of a Boeing 737 Max with a gaping hole in its side is renewing safety concerns about the planes.
Cost of living no roadblock as car sales smash record
Australians bought a record number of new cars in 2023 as the COVID comeback continued but cost-of-living pressures have auto makers preparing for a slowdown.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
House prices to fall by 3-5pct after flat end to 2023
The Australian housing market ended 2023 on a flat note, despite respectable gains across the year, and are likely to fall going into 2024, experts say.
Iranian warship Alborz enters Red Sea: report
The Iranian warship Alborz has entered the Red Sea at a time of raised tensions on the shipping route, Iranian media reports say.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
Home values up in 2023 but affordability rears its head
A surprisingly strong year for the Australian housing market has ended on a weaker note, with performance varied across different regions and cities.
New Year’s Eve party over, now what’s in store for 2024
New Year's festivities over, another year of uncertainty has dawned with hangovers from 2023 but some predictions for 2024 suggest better times ahead.
Snacks giant sorted with favourite Aussie ingredients
Fancy crackers, chocolates and lollies shared during the holidays are increasingly being made from local ingredients in high-tech manufacturing hubs onshore.