Regions beckon as young Aussies rethink city life
Almost half of Australians aged 18 to 29 are considering leaving cities for the regions, driven by the cost of living, work opportunities and lifestyle factors.
economy (general)
Premier polishes pitch to lure Trump to Australia
A premier is bidding to bring the United States president to Australia, claiming his state has something Donald Trump wants and needs.
Petrol, diesel cars slow while hybrids, EVs speed up
Australians are buying fewer cars that use fossil fuels alone as they shift allegiance to low-emission hybrid and electric models.
Reserve Bank boss calls on businesses to invest smarter
Opposition MPs have grilled Reserve Bank officials over whether government spending and monetary policy errors contributed to the first rate hike in two years.
Private demand under the microscope after rate hike
Fresh data will reveal whether the strong momentum in private spending, which spurred the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates, has continued into 2026.
Rate rise pain all but certain after inflation shock
Hotter-than-expected inflation figures have convinced analysts the Reserve Bank will lift rates as soon as next week, heaping pressure on mortgage holders.
Households could get paid under plan to price pollution
Australia could raise $35 billion a year by putting a price on pollution and help households and businesses by sharing the revenue, a report has found.
Why some economists go against the flow on RBA rate bet
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to become the first major central bank on Tuesday to U-turn from rate cuts to rate hikes in the post-COVID inflation era.
Former politicians prosper in Australia Day honours
For their service to educational equity, economic development and public health, ex-politicians have been bestowed some of the nation's highest honours.
Robust jobs market risks adding fuel to inflation fire
Australia's labour market remains tight, with limited spare capacity keeping pressure on already-high inflation and shortening the odds of interest rate hikes.
Forget quiet quitting: job-hugging tipped as top trend
Fewer Australians are expected to seek fresh employment as the market becomes tighter and artificial intelligence technology creates uncertainty.
Capital city rents hit record highs apart from one
All but one Australian capital has yielded annual growth in rents, but experts expect that city to be a star performer in the long-term.
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
A sharper-than-expected fall in inflation will encourage the Reserve Bank of Australia, but underlying price growth remains too hot for comfort.
AI continues to disrupt your career prospects
Artificial intelligence is expected to transform employment even more in 2026, both in specialised roles and as an added skill in others.
US oversight of Venezuela could last years, Trump says
President Donald Trump promises to rebuild Venezuela "in a very profitable way" after ordering its leader's capture but won't say how long US oversight will be.
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
A fresh survey of Australian consumer sentiment doesn't make for encouraging reading as the central bank weighs lifting the cash rate at its next meeting.
‘Rioters’ must be put in their place, Iran leader says
Iran's supreme leader has addressed protests sparked by the ailing economy, insisting "rioters must be put in their place" as the death toll rises to 10.
Trump touts victories amid sinking approval ratings
US President Donald Trump has delivered a partisan speech on TV seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats.
Six figures or out: income needed for typical rental
To be able to afford rent for a typical house, Australians need to be earning 51 per cent more than they did before the pandemic.
Inflation surges as energy rebates run out of gas
Lower energy rebates and higher housing costs than a year ago have propelled the headline inflation rate to its highest level in 16 months.
Study reveals why Peter Dutton lost the last election
A study has revealed Labor had inched ahead of the coalition on a key measure which handed Anthony Albanese a historic majority in federal parliament.
Shoppers tap credit to fund record Black Friday sales
Despite inflation pummelling hopes of more interest rate cuts, Australians are spending as much as ever in major sales and increasingly using debt to do so.
Invest or lose: Australia’s billion-dollar AI warning
Australia could squander billions of dollars in growth over the next decade if it fails to invest in homegrown artificial intelligence technology and talent.
Dire housing affordability widening the wealth divide
An extraordinary rise in demand combined with constrained supply has created a boom in Australian home values and rents over the past five years.
RBA bigwig reveals how economy can escape slow lane
The Australian economy's spare capacity will be key to deciding how many times the Reserve Bank can cut interest rates, a senior official says.
Pre-Christmas rate relief dashed after inflation spike
All four major banks predict mortgage holders will have to wait until 2026 for rate relief after a larger-than expected inflation rise.
Protests and price drops: mining giant faces challenges
Protesters have disrupted a meeting held by one of Australia's largest coal mining companies but bigger challenges could come from global price fluctuations.
Fears ‘free’ electricity could come with hidden costs
Some households will get free access to electricity for three hours a day but questions have been raised about unintended consequences from the plan.
AI guidance refresh as industry awaits national plan
Industry figures welcome news a national AI plan will be released before the end of the year, saying uncertainty on regulation spooks potential investors.
Australia falling behind as experts call for AI urgency
The juice will be worth the squeeze for workers and businesses if Australia quickly and carefully forges on with artificial intelligence, industry figures say.
Not a fad: billions spent with Indigenous businesses
Indigenous businesses are continuing to grow as their goods and services are in high demand from government, corporate and non-profit organisations.