Royals celebrate another Danish-Australian star pairing
King Frederik and Queen Mary have admired the work of another Danish-Australian duo as the royals headed to an art exhibition at a trendy converted warehouse.
economy, business and finance
Treasurer softens up voters for ‘hard decisions’ on tax
The government will warn of a hit to economic growth and Australia's productivity performance in the upcoming budget, raising the stakes for ambitious reform.
Spike in jobless rate unlikely to end RBA hiking cycle
A rise in unemployment and a surge in hiring point to conflicting impulses in Australia's labour market, but conditions remain relatively tight.
‘Over-prepared’: PM’s pledge on growing fuel crisis
Australia will have a single point of contact co-ordinating fuel supplies and issues that might arise due to the Iran war, with further measures expected.
Safe as houses: home resale profits go through the roof
Record home sales profits are lining the pockets of people in the housing market, while pushing the price of admission beyond the means of ordinary Australians.
Tankers burn as Iranian strikes defy Trump’s ‘victory’
Massive fireballs have lit up the sky over the Gulf as Iranian attacks on oil tankers flout President Donald Trump's claim the US has won its war with Tehran.
Atlassian workers in shock after AI-related layoffs
Almost 500 Atlassian employees in Australia are reeling after being told via email that their services are no longer required.
Gassy, koala-threatening coal mine gets state stamp
Environmental groups are urging the federal government to act to prevent a coal mine emitting methane pollution and destroying koala habitat.
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
Blues fans see red as organisers pull plug on festival
A popular Australian festival has been abruptly cancelled three weeks before it was due to begin, blaming poor ticket sales and rising production costs.
Trump warns of more strikes on Iran’s oil export hub
US President Donald Trump has warned of more strikes on Iran's Kharg Island as he pressures allies to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Emergency global stockpile oil coming soon, IEA says
Emergency oil reserves from Asia and Oceania will be available immediately, the International Energy Agency says as it details the release of stockpiles.
Fuel tax cut urged to avoid fruit ‘rotting on trees’
As some country towns face major petrol shortages, pressure is mounting on the federal government to intervene to bring down fuel prices.
Trump-Xi meeting could be delayed, White House says
A White House spokeswoman says it is possible US President Donald Trump's visit to China could be delayed.
Summer climate ‘whiplash’ hitting harder and faster
Australia is seesawing between floods and fires with increasing frequency, leaving a trail of ecosystem stress, property damage and strained council budgets.
Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation
Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.
Iran fires at bases and ships despite intense strikes
Explosions have rung out across the Mideast as Iran launched strikes and shook energy supplies, even after the US and Israel's most fierce attacks of the war.
‘Significant spikes’: servos to face huge gouging fines
Service stations could face $100 million fines for intentionally ripping off customers as panic buying places consumers under pressure at the pump.
Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike
Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.
Khamenei’s hardline son named as Iran’s supreme leader
Mojtaba Khamenei, the hardline cleric son of Iran's slain supreme leader, has been named his successor as the US-Israel war with Iran sends oil prices surging.
Casino operator’s cash stocks dwindle after big loss
Casino operator Star lost $53 million on its operations in the six months to December 31 and has $130 million left in available cash as it struggles to survive.
Rate hike odds spike for ‘live’ March RBA meeting
The battle to tame inflation has been thrown into more uncertainty by conflict in Iran and the Middle East, the Reserve Bank governor says.
Good news is bad news: GDP growth fuels inflation fears
Australia's economy expanded by 2.6 per cent over 2025, above Reserve Bank forecasts, raising fears of an impending interest rate hike.
‘See you in court’: fight looms over work-from-home law
An Australian-first legal right to work from home might not be shielded from a constitutional challenge by the use of anti-discrimination laws.
Lutnick, Goldman Sachs’ lawyer to testify on Epstein
The US government committee probing the Jeffrey Epstein files will question Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and a Goldman Sachs' former top lawyer.
US strikes on Iran ‘ahead of game plan’ as markets dive
The war in the Middle East is escalating, with nearly 800 killed in Iran as explosions rock Lebanon, where Israel says it's retaliating against Hezbollah.
Wavering households ease urgency for more rate hikes
Economic data released this week will leave the Reserve Bank a little less concerned about underlying momentum in consumer demand, an economist says.
US tariff refund system will be ready ‘in 45 days’
A US customs official says a system is being prepared to process refunds on illegally collected tariffs in 45 days without requiring importers to sue.
Net zero could put Woodside in the red in five years
Australia's biggest oil and gas producer has posted record output, but a global supply glut and the energy transition could hinder future profits.
Skyscraper scrap: mixed reaction for Trump tower plan
Rival petitions have been launched over a proposed 340-metre, 91-storey Trump tower at a holiday hotspot that's been billed as Australia's tallest building.