Gas claims ‘ludicrous’ as energy transition fires up
The oil and gas industry is refusing to be a casualty of a net-zero world, insisting it is part of the solution in a "realistic" national strategy on supply.
economy, business and finance
Banks leaving rural Oz despite billion-dollar future
The inquiry into the closure of bank branches across regional Australia is set to hear from major banks, Queensland farmers and councils.
Wages rising but not fast enough to worry the RBA
Wage growth over the March quarter is unlikely to trigger further interest rate hikes, with pay packets rising yet failing to keep pace with inflation.
Tight jobs market expected to drive strong wages growth
The latest wage price index is expected to reveal a further acceleration in pay packets, which could have an impact on interest rate hikes.
More interest rate rises still on the cards, RBA says
The Reserve Bank's decision to lift rather than pause interest rates was close but the risk of inflation sticking around nudged it towards another increase.
Borrowers to be squeezed as latest rate hikes land
Borrowers will have little cash to spare once the latest interest rate increases take effect, with further hikes not ruled out.
Industry maps ‘net-zero’ future for gas supply, exports
Nine industrial zones to "carpool" emissions and give gas a long-term role in the economy have been mapped by the industry with help from CSIRO scientists.
Energy savers centre stage in Chalmers budget roadshow
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says low-cost loans for clean energy upgrades are at the heart of his government's cost of living support for middle Australia.
No, the budget does not make further interest rate rises more likely
The great budget challenge for Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been to deliver help to Australians struggling with cost-of-living pressures without adding to inflation. So has the government achieved that aim?
Federal opposition calls for boost in welfare threshold
The opposition have called for the limit to how on how much welfare recipients can work before their payments are reduced by the government.
Country set to ‘change course’: minister spruiks budget
Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the country is set for a "change of course" as he defends the Albanese government's cost of living package.
Nats accuse Labor of choosing foreigners over farmers
David Littleproud says the government does not understand regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Leading bank says budget won’t add to inflation
The federal government's latest budget is not expected to drive up inflation with the biggest bank saying the direction for rates is likely to be downward.
Government chose foreigners over farmers: Nationals
David Littleproud has accused the government of not understanding regional Australia as he calls for a levy on importers to pay for biosecurity measures.
Dutton urges migration rethink to ease cost pressures
In the wake of his budget reply speech, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is stepping up criticism of Labor over the pressures of higher migration levels.
Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
Green hydrogen proponents pumped on vote of confidence
Plans for renewable hydrogen produced with Australian-made electrolysers are closer to commercial reality after the federal budget chipped in $2 billion.
Jenny Craig’s Australian customers, staff await answers
Jenny Craig has gone into voluntary administration after earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Critical minerals in demand but gas remains ‘important’
Mines and gas fields will continue to power national prosperity even as the federal budget accelerates Australia towards net-zero emissions.
Jenny Craig Australia goes into administration
Jenny Craig will go into voluntary administration despite earlier saying a decision to close US offices would not affect Australian and New Zealand services.
New trade office aims to open doors for SA in Germany
A new trade office for South Australia will be set up in Germany, the state's eighth largest trading partner.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Budget cost shifting not about ‘slash and cut and burn’
The federal government assures its almost $18 billion in re-prioritised spending is sensible and won't drain programs of money they need.
South Australia woos backers for green hydrogen, steel
The world needs South Australian-made green hydrogen, ammonia and steel to meet net-zero emission targets, Premier Peter Malinauskas will tell investors.
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Billion-dollar gas tax plan faces a major hurdle
The opposition wants more detail before backing the government's plan to overhaul the petroleum resource rent tax, while the Greens say it needs to go further.
‘Drover’s dog’ could deliver budget surplus: Coalition
The coalition has rained on any sense of achievement Jim Chalmers might feel if he delivers a budget surplus, saying the test will be if it can be maintained.
RBA flags inflation concern over tighter rental squeeze
The red-hot rental market is one source of uncertainty hanging over the Reserve Bank's plan to hammer down inflation.