Business, union divisions threaten to derail PM summit
The prime minister hopes business groups and unions will unite to address a lagging economy but there are already signs of division before a planned summit.
economy, business and finance
Industrial disputes drop to lowest level in two years
The number of employees involved in industrial disputes has fallen by more than half during the first three months of 2025.
Latest search ends for missing toddler Madeleine McCann
An area in southern Portugal has been searched for Madeleine McCann, eighteen years since the British toddler disappeared from a resort town.
Musk says some of his posts about Trump ‘went too far’
US President Donald Trump says it "was very nice" of Elon Musk to post a message about regretting some of his criticisms of the president.
Deal gets US-China trade truce back on track: Trump
US President Donald Trump says negotiations with China have resulted in a deal to get the trade relationship between the two countries back on track.
Businesses and consumers caught between opposing forces
Falling interest rates are not buoying the spirits of households and firms as fast as hoped, as global economic uncertainty keeps a lid on sentiment.
Musk’s dad says Trump row triggered by intense stress
Elon Musk's father says his billionaire son made a mistake "under stress" and that US President Donald Trump will prevail.
US and Chinese officials meet in the UK for trade talks
High-level trade talks between the United States and China have begun in London.
Vance downplays row between Trump, ’emotional guy’ Musk
US Vice President JD Vance has sought to downplay Elon Musk's criticism of the president as an "emotional guy" who became frustrated.
Republicans laugh off Musk attack on Trump’s tax bill
Republicans are backing Donald Trump's signature tax bill after stinging criticism from Elon Musk and an analysis showing it will blow out US debt.
‘High risk’: The Star’s $167m credit to money launderer
The scale of The Star casino's enabling of billions of dollars in risky transactions, including from at least one money launderer, has been exposed in court.
Trump, Xi agree to more talks to settle trade disputes
US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have spoken at a time when stalled tariff negotiations have roiled global trade.
The Star faces $400m implosion over crime concerns
Backpacks full of cash, concealed transactions and gamblers with criminal links were ignored by The Star casino, which faces a fine of $400 million or more.
Productivity pickle a top priority for upbeat treasurer
Falling interest rates and Australia's competitive advantages are reasons for optimism, says the treasurer as he sets his sights on improving productivity.
Higher US tariffs on steel and aluminium kick in
In a move that has reignited trade tensions with key allies, United States President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.
Economy stalls as private sector fails to pick up slack
More rate cuts might be needed to boost Australia's fragile economy with soft household consumption figures contributing to stalled growth.
Food system’s billions of ‘hidden costs’ a sick outlook
The hidden costs to health and the environment from Australia's food system could exceed $250 billion, the nation's science agency says.
RBA hints at more interest rate cuts if tariffs worsen
Uncertainty in global markets from Donald Trump's tariffs could lead to the Reserve Bank being more aggressive with interest rate cuts.
Construction company building purpose for youth
Providing youth with valuable work and skills while repairing homes that may otherwise have been neglected is a double virtue of one Indigenous venture.
Black-eyed Musk denies drug use as US govt tenure ends
Billionaire Elon Musk - sporting a black eye in the Oval Office - has been praised by Donald Trump for his efforts to cut federal spending, as his tenure ends.
US tariffs on Australia ‘not what you do to a friend’
Australia has been urged to assertively lobby Donald Trump against a plan to hike tariffs on steel imports, as Labor aims to maintain a calm approach.
Trump vows to double steel tariffs to 50 per cent
US President Donald Trump has told Pennsylvania steelworkers he's doubling the tariff on steel imports to 50 per cent, intensifying his global trade war.
EU threatens US with counter-tariffs in steel stand-off
The European Union has threatened the Trump administration with counter-tariffs in the steel stand off.
Bless your cotton jocks: town’s cheeky bid to retailers
A social media campaign is highlighting the absurdity of being unable to buy a decent supply of socks and jocks in one of Australia's leading cotton regions.
Environmentalists slam new gas exploration sites
Environmentalists have called a state government's decision to create nine new gas exploration sites deceitful, as an east coast energy shortage looms.
Trump tariff court setback stirs relief and uncertainty
Relief on financial markets has followed a US court ruling that blocks most of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which also adds to global economic uncertainty.
Three face court amid protests over gas hub expansion
Activists who targeted a Woodside shareholder meeting have faced court as protests ramp up over a decision to prolong the life of a massive gas project.
Warm weather, Cyclone Trump hit consumer recovery
Australia's economic momentum remains fragile with unseasonably warm weather and consumer concern contributing to weaker retail sales.
Torres fund ignites crayfisherman’s export dreams
A groundbreaking Indigenous-led fund is giving First Nations businesses a vital boost with capital and crucial support.
More seats, cheaper fuel cut airfare costs for Aussies
Increased aviation routes and low fuel costs will keep downward pressure on airfares in the coming months, with prices down 12 per cent at the start of 2025.
Thousands still stranded as flood recovery ramps up
Thousands of people remain isolated while other flood-hit communities continue the clean up, with homes declared beyond repair as the premier meets farmers.