Vow to fix issues as report faults power firm for blast
Queensland's government vows to fix issues that contributed to a power plant explosion after a draft report identified failings by its state-owned operator.
economy, business and finance
Aussies feel social media fails to stop ‘scam war’
One in five Australians believe social media giants are encouraging scams to occur on the platforms, a new survey reveals.
Flipping good deal: property profits hit a 14-year high
More than 94 per cent of national home sales in the first three months of 2024 recorded a nominal gain, the highest profitability rate since 2010.
Living cost relief, housing top ACT’s budget priorities
Cost-of-living help has been handed to struggling to households in an ACT budget that also vies to tackle the housing crisis and other slower-burn challenges.
‘Catastrophic’ power plant explosion avoidable: report
An explosion at a Queensland coal-fired power plant could have been avoided if safety measures were implemented at the station, a draft independent report says.
Worsening rental affordability hurting regions
Renters in the regions are having to find an extra $153 a week to go towards keeping a roof over their heads, on average, compared to June 2020.
Cash still king as big business bails out Armaguard
Some of Australia's biggest companies have put their money where their mouth is by stepping in to save cash carrier Armaguard in a $50 million deal.
Dutton doubles down on nuclear, sledges PM
The prime minister is a "child in a man's body", Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says, as he ensures nuclear energy policy will be a centrepiece of the election.
Chilly residents wonder why Australian homes so cold
As more residents take to social media complaining about cold homes, experts warn chilly interiors can impact people's health and wellbeing even if they rug up.
Nuclear showdown set to atomise federal parliament
Heated debates over nuclear reactors, energy bills and the cost of living will ignite Parliament House as both houses return for the sitting week.
Tax cuts to see families pocket an extra $60 a week
The latest tax cuts will see families with children pocket more than $60 a week on average, Treasury analysis shows.
economic policy
economy, business and finance
election
political campaigns
politics
politics (general)
Dutton promises back-to-basics economic election plan
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to rein in unnecessary spending and get the budget back on track if the coalition wins the next election.
‘Hoax’: report backing live sheep export ban savaged
Peak livestock and farming bodies have derided a report backing a ban on Australian live sheep exports, saying the inquiry that led to it was a sham.
Australians dabble with crime as cost of living bites
Thefts of groceries and alcohol are increasing, with police citing the cost of living and high interest rates as factors turning non-offenders to crime.
Nuclear conflict brews in coalition over renewables
Australians are being asked to choose between two options for the nation's energy future, but the coalition is already arguing internally over renewables.
Middle East and Europe ‘exemplars’ for nuclear plan
Europe and the Middle East could provide a model for Australia to deploy nuclear energy but its development would be expensive, an advocate admits.
Nuclear policy a ‘death sentence’ for Indigenous land
Plans to build nuclear power plants will sever the connection of Indigenous people to sacred sites, elders have warned as the coalition policy faces backlash.
States power up to shut down nuclear ambitions
As the federal opposition attempts to force the construction of nuclear reactors, state leaders say they will not go down without a fight.
Nuclear and renewables to battle it out at election
As the federal election looms, competing energy policies will duke it out for Australians' favour after the opposition released its long-awaited nuclear plan.
Dutton’s nuclear reactor ‘over budget’ and a ‘joke’
Energy experts have cast doubt on the feasibility of Peter Dutton's nuclear policy, labelling one of the reactor options put forward as "irresponsible".
Fears subsidy a ‘quick fix’ for remote cost of living
A discount on essential items in Queensland remote communities has been welcomed, but some residents fear it may not be a long-term solution.
Following the money, not hot air, for more wind farms
Australia's green bank and international firms are generating more renewable energy projects, even as the political stoush over the nation's future warms up.
Deals beyond ‘baseline’ pay rise could fuel budget pain
Several unions want worker pay packets to rise beyond the NSW government's offer, but critics warn going further could hurt the budget for years.
Inflation-wary Reserve Bank spells long wait for cuts
Stalling progress on inflation has the central bank on high alert as political sparring continues over the impact of state and federal budgets on prices.
Rates on hold yet inflation risks remain on RBA’s radar
The threat of inflation has not been neutralised and the Reserve Bank is still prepared to pull the trigger on another interest rate hike if needed.
‘Encouraging signs’: PM lauds improving ties with China
China's premier has wrapped a four-day Australian visit with talks on economic ties and mineral exports as Anthony Albanese hails signs of more stable ties.
Home-building surge in tight budget of ‘must-haves’
Record spending on social housing has headlined the Minns government's second budget as the NSW treasurer blames GST changes for rolling deficits.
Hong Kong most expensive city to be posted to
While Hong Kong has been listed at the world's most expensive city to move to, three Australian cities are in the top 100.
Stubborn economic challenges hang over RBA rates call
A June interest rate meeting comes as the federal government defends its budget management in an economy facing slow growth and persistent inflation.
Renters could be hit in $1.5b ‘sneaky’ budget tax hike
Landlords, holiday-home owners and businesses could be hit with higher taxes in the NSW budget, while $200m has been set aside for homes for regional workers.
Win for dudded savers as banks forced to alert changes
A suite of changes to banking regulations should make it easier for customers to move to more competitive home loan and saving account offers.