Feds ‘supercharge’ clean energy build to keep lights on
Clean energy sources will take over from ageing coal power stations under a supercharged federal scheme, but critics say household bills will rise without gas.
economy, business and finance
Why further RBA interest rate hikes are less likely now than even 1 week ago
Since Australia’s Reserve Bank hiked interest rates two weeks ago, there have been two important developments – one in the United States and the other in the United Kingdom. If it’s not clear to you why events overseas influence Australia’s interest rates, which are meant to be set to control Australian inflation, read on.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
manufacturing and engineering
politics
transport
Hydrogen cars next cab off the rank as demo servo opens
The national science agency has achieved a key milestone in the development of a local hydrogen industry with the opening of a refuelling and research station.
Albanese defends inflation-busting plan amid blowback
The federal government has backed its inflation-fighting policies as the opposition says Labor's perception of price pressures is at odds with the Reserve Bank.
RBA stares down ‘increasingly homegrown’ inflation
The head of Australia's central bank says the drivers of inflation are shifting and that means it will be harder to combat price pressures in the economy.
company information
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
metal and mineral
mining
Fortescue hit with first strike, unveils green spend
Fortescue Metals Group has received a "first strike" on executive pay as the iron ore miner unveiled plans to splash $1.1 billion on green hydrogen.
RBA hones in on domestic demand in inflation fight
The Reserve Bank fired off an interest rate hike last month to take out insurance against lingering inflation risks, minutes from a board meeting confirm.
Subdued 2024 for property as rate pain hits home
A mixed year is expected for Australian property markets, with SQM Research expecting strong growth in Brisbane and Perth but weaker performance elsewhere.
Embattled Optus CEO resigns after fraught 18 months
Optus CEO Kelly Bayer Rosmarin has stepped down after a challenging 18 months marked by two of the telco giant's worst and most public disasters.
More cash on offer for first home buyers
The Queensland government is doubling grants to first home buyers in an effort to get thousands more people into the property market.
All eyes on RBA messaging for hints on rates outlook
Public appearances from senior Reserve Bank officials should shed some light on the future outlook for interest rates as the tightening cycle nears its end.
APEC leaders divided on Ukraine, Gaza, back WTO reform
APEC members went into the US-hosted summit divided over the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and that is how they left, but they did unite behind reforming the WTO.
Biden tells APEC leaders US is committed to the region
President Joe Biden has told the APEC summit the United States is 'not going anywhere' in its commitment to the Pacific region.
Indo-Pacific agreement on clean energy, anti-graft
A US-led grouping of Indo-Pacific countries has agreed to cooperate on clean energy, anti-corruption and supply chains, but have not reached a trade pact.
Four in five Australian housing markets in growth mode
The rebound in home prices has reached most parts of the country although the pace of growth varies across cities and regions.
agriculture
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
manufacturing and engineering
metal and mineral
mining
politics
transport
Battery economy: From ‘dig-and-ship’ to ‘mine-and-make’
Some $2 billion in capital and other sweeteners could turn Australia from the world's quarry into a "mine-and-make''nation driving the battery supply chain.
air transport
breaking_news
crime, law and justice
economy, business and finance
health and safety at work
unions
Qantas guilty over treatment of virus-concerned worker
A court has found Qantas guilty of breaching NSW workplace health and safety laws after it stood down a worker who raised concerns about COVID-19.
Billions slashed from rail and road projects
Dozens of state projects have had their funding axed as the federal government scrambles to address a multi-billion dollar infrastructure cost blowout.
Jobs market ‘defies gravity’ but weakening on horizon
The unemployment rate moved higher last month but is still well below historical norms, with more jobs added to the economy than expected.
Wall St rallies, data suggests rate hikes may be over
US indices have made their biggest gains since late April amid indications interest rate hikes may be at an end.
Social fabric strained amid growing financial pain
Australia's social cohesion is under pressure on multiple fronts, including financial stress and worsening economic inequality.
Growth forecasts take shine off bumper pay packets
Worker pay packets recorded the biggest quarterly jump in the history of the official wage price index survey, but annual growth is still trailing inflation.
‘Not happy’: states to pay more for infrastructure
States will be required to go 50-50 with the federal government on infrastructure projects, angering premiers who believe the changes are unfair.
Consumers, businesses still wary about the future
Consumer confidence has taken a hit after another round of interest rate pain, with businesses also cautious about the outlook despite economic resilience.
Spending wanes as consumers wait for next big event
Major events have been keeping spending elevated, with consumption in retreat throughout a quieter month.
Goalposts for full employment likely shifting: RBA
The rate of joblessness compatible with the Reserve Bank's inflation target is likely to settle somewhere lower than experienced over the past few decades.
US House Speaker Johnson floats plan to avert shutdown
A temporary funding measure announced by US Republican Speaker Mike Johnson is unlikely to win support from Democrats or the White House.
What Westpac zero deforestation pledge means for ag
A zero deforestation target for agriculture set by Westpac has been described as "enormous" by the conservation movement but condemned by farmers.
RBA’s inflation forecasts edge higher as risks abound
Inflation is still expected to return to the Reserve Bank of Australia's target band by the end of 2025 but is proving to be more persistent than expected.
Record low vacancy rates hit would-be renters hard
It's never been more difficult to find a rental in Australia as a report confirms rental vacancy rates have hit record lows in some capital cities.
Banks pass on rate hikes to thrifty home loan customers
Some mortgage holders are already trimming their spending and working extra hours, with the latest rise to put more pressure on households and the economy.