BHP warns on tax, productivity after plunge in profits
Profits and dividends are down at BHP on lower commodity prices, but the mining giant says it is managing inflationary pressures better than its rivals.
economy, business and finance
Future of Australian economy under spotlight
The latest Intergenerational Report to be released this week will shed light on some of the long-term challenges and opportunities for the Australian economy.
Japan’s industrial giants lead charge for Aussie nickel
A nickel explorer has industrial giants from Japan queuing for future supplies from under the red dirt out west as the battery minerals race accelerates.
Queensland splashes millions to lure business to bush
The Palazczuk government is spending $80 million on a package to boost business and investment in regional Queensland.
coal
company information
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
natural gas
Little relief for consumers as Origin posts $1b profit
Origin Energy expects another tough year for cash-strapped customers after posting an FY23 net profit of $1.06 billion as it prepares for a foreign takeover.
Weakness in economy continues as rate rises bite
With the labour market at a "turning point", a leading index of Australia's economic activity has produced its longest run of negative results in seven years.
Inflation, currency headwinds take toll on CSL’s profit
Australia's third-largest company has reported a three per cent drop in net profit after tax, but CSL says plasma collections hit record levels.
Regional house prices fall as interest rates rise
House prices are down in most regional markets with real estate analysts pointing to interest rates and migration after the COVID-19 pandemic as factors.
coal
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
Tool exposes ‘risky’ assumptions behind climate pledges
Some companies are too reliant on "risky" carbon capture and storage assumptions when claiming they are meeting global climate targets, data shows.
‘That is progress’: optimism as wages climb again
Workers feeling the pinch amid inflationary pressures may finally be experiencing some relief, with wage growth catching up to a key cost of living measure.
Consumer sentiment softens as businesses seek lifeline
As business conditions and consumer sentiment soften across the country, operators are looking to credit cards to manage their finances, but there are pitfalls.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
environmental issue
global warming
insurance
politics
real estate
Home insurance out of reach as climate disasters surge
The biggest rise in premiums in 20 years has raised concerns households may forego insurance and be even harder hit when the next disaster strikes.
Cutting-edge hydrogen tech starts up in steel heartland
A next-generation hydrogen electrolyser is being commercialised to give steelmaking and other heavy industries a future in Australia's regions.
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Early days for lithium as colts vie for talent, ports
Australia is urged to be bold in the race for high-purity lithium for electric cars and clean energy, as veterans and newcomers jostle for capital and ports.
Inflation fight not over but RBA’s confidence growing
The chances of bringing inflation down without dealing massive damage to the labour market are improving, says the head of the Reserve Bank.
Investor delight as Star casino gets $310m tax break
A decision to delay a tax hike on Sydney's biggest casino to ward off closure has raised questions about NSW's priorities amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Aussie winemakers are hoping to raise a glass to China
Australian grape and wine producers are optimistic that hefty tariffs will be scrapped on wine exported to China, after imposts on barley were removed.
‘Perfect storm’: insolvency surge threatens businesses
The Australian Taxation Office and other creditors pose the biggest threat to cash-strapped businesses facing an insolvency "surge", an organisation says.
Don’t blame migration for housing mess, business says
The Business Council of Australia says it's disingenuous to brand a temporary rebalancing of Australia's migration inflows as a "big Australia" policy.
Competition heavyweight to head up price-gouging probe
Unions have set up an inquiry led by a former consumer watchdog chair to find out if price gouging is common and what can be done about it.
Advent buys Aussie fashion brand Zimmermann in $1b deal
Advent International has acquired a majority stake in Australian fashion label Zimmermann in a deal worth $US1 billion ($A1.5 billion).
Up to 250,000 workers could get electric car discount
A change to small business software could help thousands more Australian workers access tax cuts on electric vehicles.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Vanadium could be the next lithium for big battery tech
Australia holds a third of the world's vanadium, an element that's key to a kind of battery that may be the answer to the long-term storage of energy.
Lingering price pressures plaguing businesses
Cost pressures continue to haunt businesses and are still flowing through to a higher cost of living for households.
Motorists paying more for fuel as oil supplies tighten
Motorists are being urged to shop around to find the best deals with fuel prices rising as oil supply constraints collide with strong demand.
Consumer confidence in the spotlight this week
A peak inside the minds of consumers, courtesy of two major surveys due this week, will reveal how households are faring as the economic challenges mount.
Australia gets wake-up call on materials manufacturing
Australia must ramp up its ability to make the materials and components needed for big renewable energy projects coming down the pipeline, industry heads say.
WA Labor ‘still considering’ cultural heritage laws
A senior West Australian minister has refused to be drawn on whether the state government will dump its controversial Aboriginal cultural heritage laws.
Economy to limp along as rate hikes sting households
The latest set of forecasts from the Reserve Bank paints a more downbeat picture of Australia's growth through to the end of the year.
Insurance costs, claims under microscope after floods
Insurance affordability and the handling of claims after devastating floods in several states in 2022 will be examined in a parliamentary hearing.
Borrowers spared further pain as RBA stays on hold
The Reserve Bank has kept the cash rate on hold for a second month in a move that has some experts speculating the hiking cycle might be over.