Are you better off: question at heart of next election
The opposition says excessive government spending is trashing the economy, but Labor says coalition cuts would just make it harder for households.
economy, business and finance
Tide turns for retailers with shop tills tipped to ring
Australians have been saving what they can as living costs soar but experts expect more spending in the next 12 months, especially when interest rates are cut.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
US appeals court upholds TikTok law forcing its sale
A federal appeals court panel has upheld a law requiring the sale or ban of TikTok in the United States by January 19.
US pledges nearly $US1 billion in weapons for Ukraine
The US has unveiled nearly $US1 billion in aid for new arms and equipment for Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia's invasion.
Power couple: green energy, gas giant bet on renewables
A renewable energy company with global backers will be launched to take on top tier rivals, despite a looming political threat to clean energy investment.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
How a Trump presidency could affect Aussie produce
Farmers are keeping a close eye on US president-elect Donald Trump's commitment to impose tariffs on imports.
Thirty licences to open a cafe: state red tape ranked
Australian business must work through a patchwork of regulations wherever they operate, but requirements in some states are more onerous than in others.
Milestone for renewable energy to power iron ore port
An energy project combining cyclone-busting solar panels and a big battery has been built in the Pilbara region to decarbonise iron ore port operations.
KFC franchisee takes hit as costs eat into profit
KFC and Taco Bell franchisee Collins Foods says its underlying profit was down by nearly a quarter in the first half.
Economy yet to shake malaise as growth misses forecasts
The Australian economy is growing slowly with government support, with energy rebates effectively transferring household spending to the public purse.
US summons for India’s Adani, nephew on bribery claims
A summons has been issued for the head of the Adani Group, Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, and his nephew Sagar Adani over US bribery allegations.
Aged care revamp to shake up Australians’ golden years
Older Australians will be able to live at home for longer and receive better protections in aged care after a sector overhaul passed parliament.
Development halted causing ‘distress, financial strain’
A major development has been paused after a local council raised significant concerns about the distress and financial strain placed on buyers.
‘Surprise’ budget windfalls drying up, economists warn
Australia's budget fortunes are shifting, with Deloitte Access Economics predicting a deeper deficit than predicted in the May budget.
New routes to secure internet for Australia, Pacific
New cables will entrench Australia's role as a state-of-the-art connection point for large volumes of data in a global digital ecosystem, project partners say.
‘Better deal’ for suppliers as supermarkets face fines
Supermarkets face fines of up to $10 million if caught breaching a grocery code of conduct that will become mandatory.
Christmas rate cut hopes slayed as inflation holds firm
Energy rebates have lowered Australia's headline inflation rate, but the Reserve Bank remains focused on underlying price pressures.
Fresh hope for those wanting to buy own home sweet home
Australians locked out of the housing market will soon have a viable option to buy their own piece of paradise with a significantly smaller deposit.
Casino operator counts the cost of going cashless
The leaders charged with turning around the fortunes of troubled casino operator Star have given shareholders a frank assessment of the difficulties ahead.
Top bank chief reveals why rates are still on hold
Australia's top central banker reveals why she still hasn't pulled the trigger on interest rate cuts despite similar countries already taking action.
Price-conscious Aussies spend up on record Black Friday
The cost-of-living crisis is driving more and more people towards sales, delivering retailers a bonanza on the increasingly popular Black Friday.
Virgin gets first clearance to take flight with Qatar
Virgin and Qatar airlines can begin planning new flights between Australia and Doha together, with a final decision on their partnership due within months.
Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices
Australia's retail sales enjoyed a boost from an early start to Black Friday discounting and recovering bank balances following tax cuts.
Call for super funds to pump gas giants for change
An analysis of the way some of the biggest superannuation funds vote at shareholder meetings suggests they're backing down over the expansion of oil and gas.
Coalition vows to overturn extra Future Fund priorities
Adding clean energy and housing as supplementary investment priorities for Australia's sovereign wealth fund has drawn sharp rebuke from the opposition.
Workers warn of bare shelves, Woolworths says no risk
As 1500 warehouse workers walked off the job in a fight for better pay and conditions, their union warned the shelves at Woolworths could empty as a result.
Review clears billionaire tech founder of misconduct
Wisetech Global says a review has found that all of Richard White's personal workplace relationships were disclosed and there's no evidence of bullying.
Coles holds 17 sites with no DAs, denies land-banking
Grocery giant Coles has held one site for 16 years without building a supermarket, but the firm has rejected allegations of anti-competitive land-banking.