Vic hardest place to do business in Aust
Victorian businesses pay the highest tax in Australia, a nationwide survey of firms by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce has found.
economy, business and finance
Emissions targets costly for grain growers
A report by the CSIRO has found a reduction in grain farmers' emissions over the next decade could mean a decrease in production.
Climate wars are yet to be won: Turnbull
Malcolm Turnbull has warned voters are walking away because of federal government dysfunction on climate policy and says Labor's plan is politically sensible.
Fuel pump first for zero-emission hydrogen
Australia's first green hydrogen project has been certified as some governments look to drive alternative fuels and fleets.
Aussie manufacturers join ‘smiley curve’
A COVID-19 breath test, smart food box and rocket fuel are among the advanced manufacturing projects winning federal funding to speed up commercial success.
Forget coal and gas for prosperity: poll
Months out from a federal election, a poll shows voters in the resource-rich political hunting grounds of NSW and Queensland back renewables over coal and gas.
Strong wage growth still key to rate rise
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has again put stronger wages growth as a key element before raising the cash rate.
Rate rise plausible later this year: Lowe
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe said a cash rate rise is "plausible" later this year but he is surprised by the multiple moves priced in financial markets.
Demand for home loans picks up further
Demand for home loans grew by a stronger than expected 4.4 per cent in December, even as house prices grew at their fastest pace annually since 1989.
RBA to stay patient before lifting rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe says the central bank board is prepared to remain patient before lifting interest rates.
Schools resume, elective surgery to return
There are 12,818 new COVID-19 cases in NSW and 30 people have died, as students return to school and non-urgent elective surgery is set to resume next week.
School return to test NSW COVID-19 prep
Thousands of public school children returning to class are set to test the NSW government's COVID-19 preparations for the new school year.
Minister defends carbon farming ‘red tape’
The federal government has been accused of proposing 'excessive red tape' that will undermine its own carbon market, farmers' projects and business plans.
$500 voucher for families’ daily juggle
Parents will get access to $500 vouchers to be spent on out-of-school care, as COVID-19 fatalities fall to 27 from a record 52.
27 NSW virus deaths, $500 voucher for kids
There are 13,026 positive COVID-19 cases and 27 more deaths in NSW as Premier Dominic Perrottet prepares to announce a $500 voucher for primary school children.
NSW parents to get $500 for primary kids
As NSW children head back to school the government is poised to announce a $500 subsidy for parents to put towards out-of-school care costs.
Qld must offer small business support: LNP
The Queensland Opposition says the state government must provide support for COVID-hit small businesses.
Masks to stay as NSW COVID-19 cases rise
Mask rules and hospitality density limits will continue in NSW as the state records 18,512 new cases and 29 deaths.
Vital diesel exhaust fuel supplies boosted
Supplies of a diesel exhaust fuel vital to keeping the country's freight and logistics sectors on track have been significantly boosted in Australia.
Tasmania again tops rankings: CommSec
Commonwealth Securities quarterly State of States report has found Tasmania topping the ladder for the eighth consecutive quarter.
Climate club plan could punish Australia
Germany's new chancellor is pushing for the G7 to become a "climate club" that will economically punish laggards like Australia, observers say.
Unemployment rate drops to 4.2 pct
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 per cent in December as a further 64,800 people joined the workforce.
Reasons for economic optimism: treasurer
Deloitte Access Economics analyst Chris Richardson is upbeat on Australia's outlook despite the challenges posted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Signs of Omicron peaking in NSW, ACT: Hunt
Health Minister Greg Hunt says there are signs the spread of the Omicron strain is peaking in NSW and the ACT.
Woolies lashed for supplier’s virus policy
Woolworths has been lashed by a union after one of its main suppliers required employees to wear coloured hairnets to indicate their COVID-19 infection status.
Confidence drops on rapid Omicron spread
The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index has dropped 2.2 per cent as a result of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Critical worker isolation under review
New measures adopted by NSW, Victoria and Queensland exempting more critical workers from COVID-19 isolation will go before national cabinet for discussion.
Omicron impacting workforce, spending: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the highly-infectious Omicron variant is impacting both Australia's workforce and consumer spending.
consumer goods
economy, business and finance
health
health and safety at work
labor market
virus diseases
PM urges workers: keep pushing through
More of the economy is coming under strain as Omicron ravages supply chains and uncertainty affecting everything from recruitment to farmers, food and shops.
Fortescue ‘green team’ goes loco for ore
Fortescue Metals Group says it is on track to cut emissions from transporting iron ore to port with the purchase of two new battery powered locomotives.
Looking beyond the grid to power Australia
An energy company is looking beyond the traditional electricity grid as it rolls out a hybrid future across a vast landscape.