Investment expert warns prices ‘rollercoaster’ possible
Unwinding pandemic effects will cause inflation to fall quickly, a key investment strategist expects, before supply shocks keep it higher over the long term.
economy, business and finance
House prices surge in years since pandemic
House prices have risen by more than 30 per cent across Australia in the four years since the outbreak of COVID-19, a report has revealed.
Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs
Hundreds of nuisance tariffs on everyday items like tools, clothing, dishwashers and more will be scrapped in a move that will save businesses millions.
economy, business and finance
endangered species
environmental issue
environmental politics
health
invasive species
Fatal flaws: grim warnings about fire ant program
An inquiry aired serious concerns about efforts to eradicate fire ants - a hyper-aggressive super pest that could change what it's like to live in Australia.
Mining magnate Gutnick banned from managing businesses
Former Melbourne Demons president "Diamond" Joe Gutnick has been disqualified from managing corporations for his involvement in three failed companies.
‘Often overlooked’ women are the future of agriculture
Women are increasingly being recognised for their success in the agricultural sector in production, biosecurity, science and as champions of future farmers.
‘Unfair’ supermarket prices on watchdog’s hit list
The consumer regulator has vowed to find answers to shoppers' complaints of sky-high grocery prices and farmers' concerns about low supermarket payments.
Dumpster diving on the rise due to rising grocery costs
A Senate inquiry has heard there has been an uptick in people resorting to getting groceries from supermarket dumpsters.
‘Unbalanced’ duopoly impacting shoppers, farmers
The major supermarkets have offered "rock bottom" prices for purchasing produce because of their influence, farmers have told a parliamentary hearing.
Economy hit by ‘dastardly duo’ of rates and inflation
Australia's economy grew very little last quarter but the result was broadly in line with forecasts and unlikely to change the outlook for interest rates.
Economy unlikely to have contracted but growth muted
The Australian economy looks to have narrowly missed a quarter in decline based on economic indicators released ahead of official growth figures.
Crocodile cuddles as regional leaders snap family photo
Australia will launch a $2 billion program to turbocharge trade with Southeast Asia, as regional leaders get up close and personal with crocodiles and koalas.
Fire ants inquiry shines light on decades of failure
Australia's efforts to eradicate deadly fire ants have been savaged by former insiders and the woman who led a review that was buried.
‘Smug’ energy attitudes holding Australia back: pioneer
An Australian offshore wind pioneer urges less politics and more investment in a nation that's been "smug" about energy for far too long.
Falling letters, shop traffic weighs down Aust Post
Australia Post may have to shrink its retail network as falling foot traffic and low letter activity threatens the service's financial viability.
Super cash-ins lump taxpayers with $85b ‘long COVID’
A key super fund body says taxpayers are on the hook for between $75 billion and $85 billion because of the Morrison government's early super access policy.
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Energy consumers to plug power gap, get fairer share
Ministers have agreed on steps to fill the nation's energy gap but a former deputy central bank governor says $625 billion in clean energy investment is needed.
Home price growth gathers pace as confidence returns
Property prices in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane still grew the fastest in January but Melbourne and Sydney also had a more convincing month.
Sales, dividend down as retail slump hits Harvey Norman
Ongoing macroeconomic headwinds have buffeted Harvey Norman's profits but the retailer insists its property portfolio keeps its balance sheet in good health.
Retail sales rebound but spending appetite is weak
The consumer sector is clearly in pain and prioritising discounted goods, making it a difficult time to be a discretionary retailer.
Australia not ‘complacent’ on expected weak growth
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is not immune nor complacent in the face of economic challenges though a soft landing is still anticipated.
Green mining could be dynamite for new hydrogen sector
Australia could usher in the next boom by switching ammonia production plants from gas to renewable hydrogen to supply the mining sector with green explosives.
Escape to the country cools off as cost of living bites
Internal migration has dropped as fewer people make the move between the cities and the regions, but those who are escaping the rat race are going to the coast.
Inflation results show signs of waning price pressures
Stretched households will welcome promising signals on price pressures as a key monthly measure comes in softer than anticipated.
breaking_news
company information
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
natural gas
Woodside under the pump on climate risk as profit falls
Critics say Woodside Energy's carbon reduction plans are "meaningless" as the oil and gas giant expands to meet decades of demand expected for Australian LNG.
Call for action on gender equity as pay gaps exposed
Australian employers are under pressure to close their gender pay gaps and could face hurdles getting contracts with government if they don't change.
Homebuyer scheme on shaky ground as calls for help echo
Opponents of a homebuyer scheme that would split upfront costs with the government are being urged to back the plan to help more people buy their first house.
Iron ore strength bankrolls emission-busting Fortescue
High prices and loyal Chinese demand for Fortescue Group's iron ore has delivered a stellar profit and cash pile to bankroll ambitious emission-busting plans.
Lower fares blamed for Qantas’ descending profit
Qantas says fare cuts are behind a $183 million reduction in its first-half profit, as it unveils measures to enhance the on-board experience for passengers.
More first-time buyers facing mortgage stress
Higher interest rates are a double-edged sword for wannabe home buyers - shortening the time to save for a deposit but pushing up mortgage repayments.
company information
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Aussie aluminium next on chopping block, Rio warns
Iron ore and copper giant Rio Tinto has reported a fall in profit on lower commodity prices and warns the future of aluminium depends on the energy rollout.