Funding injection to help keep banks in Pacific
The federal government will inject millions into shoring up banking services in the Pacific, with the treasurer urging Australian banks to stay in the region.
economy, business and finance
Home lending slips but still well ahead over the year
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, yet the total value of loans is holding up as property prices rise.
Forum seeks fix for Pacific’s sinking banking services
The driving forces behind banking services cuts in the Pacific and how to prevent a mass exodus is being investigated at an inaugural forum in Brisbane.
Housing lending falls after three months of growth
Both owner-occupier and investor lending slid in May after three months of growth, based on official Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Next stop … good public transport that actually works
Australia's suburbanites are too often relegated to a life of car-dependency that is polluting the climate and leaving streets more congested and less safe.
Pacific’s dwindling banking services in the spotlight
The first Pacific Banking Forum will investigate why banking services are dwindling in the region and consider how to ensure a sustainable financial system.
Adeang: China support can ‘transform’ Nauru
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
President Adeang backs Nauru’s switch to China
Australia's offshore detention centre has not blunted Nauru's reputation, president David Adeang says.
Renter relief finally hits with more cooling in sight
After months of fast-rising rents, momentum is starting to tip in favour of tenants as more homes become available.
‘Deep flaws’ in ASIC enforcement prompt calls for split
A bloated remit and chronic under-resourcing at Australia's corporate watchdog have been canvassed in a scathing parliamentary report.
Shoppers still spending but only if a sign says ‘sale’
Shoppers have rushed to snap up heavily discounted goods, helping buoy retail sales which were trending weaker as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Early sales send bargain hunters on shopping spree
Shoppers took advantage of sales in May, helping fuel an improvement in retail sales otherwise trending weak as higher interest rates weigh on households.
Retail sales rise 0.6 per cent as sales start early
Financially-strapped shoppers took advantage of sales last month, with retail turnover lifting 0.6 per cent from a limp 0.1 per cent gain in the previous month.
Sombre retail sales likely as consumer pain persists
Prising open wallets has been tough as tough financial conditions batter households and retail sales figures are likely to show a continuation of the trend.
Aust, NZ fund Solomons airfield in development race
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed a $55 million investment in Seghe Airfield that could unlock the region's tourism potential.
‘No smoking gun’ to hike rates though prices risks lurk
The path to beat inflation without tanking the economy is getting narrower, the Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed in minutes from its last meeting.
Chance of sharp uptick in jobless rate on RBA’s mind
The heat is starting to come out of the labour market but minutes from the RBA meeting show concerns that if unemployment starts rising, it will move fast.
RBA minutes to be dissected for interest rate clues
The minutes from the June interest rate meeting are expected to show a discussion of a hike as well as holding rates steady.
Albanese links new energy plan to cost-of-living crisis
Cost-of-living support in the form of tax cuts and higher pay for minimum-wage workers are among changes to come into effect in the new financial year.
Tax cuts to help households ‘catch up’ to rate rises
After a long wait and much political tussling, the stage three tax cuts are finally about to come into effect - and not a moment too soon.
More hip-pocket help, less vaping in new financial year
Cost of living relief in the form of tax cuts and a pay increase for minimum-wage workers are among the changes to come into effect in the new financial year.
Connecting business and culture in remote Queensland
A consulting business in a remote Cape York community may seem unusual to some but for Sheridan Teitzel, it's at the heart of what she does.
Second budget surplus in reach as inflation runs hot
Another forecast budget surplus would help in the fight against rising prices, says the government amid pressure over the latest hot inflation readout.
‘Whole series of data’ before next rates call: RBA
The Reserve Bank's outlook on inflation is little changed and more data is needed to build a fuller picture of the economy, the deputy governor says.
Any power cost reductions must flow to households: ACCC
Aussies are using less power and producing more rooftop solar to cope with energy costs, the consumer watchdog finds, urging retailers to share cost reductions.
‘Not open to negotiation’: New homes face delays
Australia's housing minister has not said whether she believes having a home should be a human right, as a political gridlock delays building new homes.
Digital systems dethrone cash as dominant payment type
Online payments have surged in the past year to overtake the rate of cash withdrawals at ATMs, research shows.
Industrial-scale change gives energy to small producers
Less obvious sources of greenhouse gases - including wine and pet food producers - have been awarded grants to lead the way in reducing industrial emissions.
Nuclear push would drag out energy transition, PM warns
Anthony Albanese will use a major economic speech to hit out at opposition nuclear plans, saying they risk stalling progress on meeting net-zero targets.
coal
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
nuclear power
politics
Aussies cooking with gas not nuclear under network plan
Renewable energy and more gas is the cheapest way to power a net-zero economy, with electricity demand tipped to double by 2050 as homes and cars go electric.
Tourism bouncing back with record visitor spending
International visitors are spending the most since 2019 as the tourism industry inches closer to recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.