PM promises effective, responsible support
Consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level since September 2020, undermined by persistent concerns over the inflation outlook.
economy, business and finance
Star CEO ‘berated’ KPMG report authors
A "hostile" Star CEO who eventually met with the authors of a report that raised concerns over the casino's compliance spent the meeting "berating" them.
auto trends
automotive equipment
economy, business and finance
environmental issue
politics (general)
Bowser pain renews charge on electric cars
States are leading the charge on electric vehicles as drivers of conventional cars look for short-term relief at the bowser and consider permanent alternatives.
Careful response to cost of living: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his government is fully aware of the cost of living pressures Australians are facing and is promising a budget response.
Cost of living relief to feature in budget
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says there will be targeted relief from the rising cost of living in the budget, but warned high support levels could not continue.
Aussies ‘lucky bastards’ as UK gas spikes
The former UK energy regulator is in awe of Australia as gas prices bite Europe's households, but the federal government is warning against complacency here.
More support for aviation critical: report
A parliamentary committee has recommended the federal government provide ongoing support to the aviation industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.
Putting people back into energy transition
Energy experts have been urged to think differently about how to activate people and industries who can solve the everyday problems of the energy transition.
Star admits ‘misleading’ NAB on gaming
An inquiry into the suitability of Sydney's Star casino to hold a licence is examining due diligence at the venue and claims of links to organised crime.
Budget being framed carefully: Birmingham
Simon Birmingham says the Morrison government will "very carefully" strike a balance between tackling the cost of living and not adding to inflation pressures.
War will depress growth globally, PM warns
Prime Minister Scott Morrison believes the war in the Ukraine will likely depress global economic growth.
PM hints at pairing back budget spending
Scott Morrison has hinted of the possibility of winding back government spending measures ahead of the budget.
Mixed views on ethanol as oil shock answer
Australia's petrol and diesel taxes are already amongst the lowest in the world, prompting calls for greater use of ethanol to provide relief at the bowser.
Consumers fret over inflation, RBA unsure
The Reserve Bank of Australia minutes from its March 1 board meeting show there is uncertainty how inflation will evolve in the face of the Ukrainian war.
Inland Rail to cut $200m from freight cost
New modelling reveals a shift from road to the Inland Rail network could slash more than $200 million a year from freight costs.
Fuel relief decision put off until budget
Motorists will have to wait until later in the month to see how the federal government plans to ease pressure on petrol prices as they soar above $2 a litre.
US, UK, Europe intensify squeeze on Russia
Western allies have mounted a fourth round of sanctions against Russia over its Ukraine invasion, with moves aimed at the Russian economy and its elite.
Assessors, techies, bankers join mud army
Insurers say it's too soon to put a price on the floods as initial claims near $2 billion and assessors, techies and bankers muck in alongside communities.
RBA deputy governor Guy Debelle resigns
Guy Debelle, the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, has resigned to take up a corporate role with Fortescue Future Industries in June.
Petrol bowser pain flows for some time yet
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has warned petrol prices could remain elevated for some time yet as a result of the war in eastern Europe.
Fee hunters drawn to $1.6b in flood claims
Flood victims are urged to be aware of "claims farmers" who tout assistance with insurance paperwork, for a fee, lured by claims rising past $1.6 billion.
Rate rise plausible this year: RBA’s Lowe
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has told a business conference that a rise in the cash rate is plausible this year.
Albanese pledges Hawke-style government
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says he wants to govern like former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke if he is successful at the May federal election.
RBA’s Lowe warns of inflation, rate risks
RBA governor Philip Lowe says inflation could reach four per cent-plus as a result of the impact on prices of the Australian floods and war in Ukraine.
Enough is enough, Australian women say
A diverse alliance of women are saying 'enough is enough' on International Women's Day as Australians come together to share their stories.
Consumers unsettled by floods, price rises
Consumer confidence managed only a small rise in the past week faced with rising petrol prices, but businesses appear to be back on track after Omicron.
Climbing petrol costs fuel inflation fears
Petrol prices struck new highs in the past week, and look set to go even higher as global oil prices ramp up due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Fewer businesses facing COVID disruptions
New figures have revealed 15 per cent of businesses had staff unavailable due to COVID-19 in February, down from 22 per cent in January.
Flood damage expected to enter billions
Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie says the federal government will continue to support flood-affected communities as the damage bill rises.
Super funds expected to dump Russia assets
Australian superannuation funds are being urged by the treasurer to divest Russian assets and join the government in putting a squeeze on Vladimir Putin.
Whyalla to produce steel for Inland Rail
The Whyalla steelworks in South Australia has signed a $292 million contract to supply steel for Australia's Inland Rail and other projects.