Trump warns Zelenskiy to rush for peace or lose Ukraine
President Donald Trump has told "dictator" Volodymyr Zelenskiy to quickly negotiate an end to Russia's war on Ukraine as relations sour between the two leaders.
economy (general)
Australia must build out of crisis amid shocking data
Red tape must be ripped down to boost productivity in a bid to fix the nation's housing crisis, with shocking new data showing the slowing rate of construction.
‘Strong ally’: Australia won’t return fire on tariffs
The clock is ticking for Australia to secure an exemption to Donald Trump's steel tariffs after he accused leaders of breaking their word on an export deal.
The cost of broadband is rising, but so is its speed
Australians are paying more to access the internet but thousands more households are getting access to faster download speeds.
Australia at the ‘bottom of the class’ on research
Australian businesses and governments are investing too little in vital research projects, a discussion paper has revealed.
Workers fear use of AI in hiring and firing decisions
Artificial intelligence technology is already being used to monitor Aussie workers even though laws governing its use are not yet in place.
Bird flu case detected in Victoria’s north
There has been a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Victoria, days after the federal government announced it had eradicated the disease from Australia.
Canada seeks stronger EU trade ties amid Trump threat
The Canadian trade minister will head to Australia next week after seeking stronger trade ties with the European Union.
Trump says Musk will find billions in Pentagon waste
US President Donald Trump has flagged that billionaire Elon Musk will soon begin combing the Pentagon for wasted taxpayer dollars.
Electric vehicle sales brake as car market slows again
Australians bought fewer new cars in January, with electric car sales more than halving despite growing price competition and new limits on vehicle emissions.
AI angst – workers fear bosses will prioritise profit
Australian workers are reluctant to embrace artificial intelligence, with fewer than one in three believing it will have a positive impact.
Belief firms in rate relief as inflation takes breather
Markets and economists widely tip a February interest rate cut after underlying inflation came in below expectations for the December quarter.
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
Treasurer Jim Chalmers remains confident 2025 will be better economically for Australians after struggles with the cost of living.
Home construction rises but target remains out of reach
High costs, labour shortages and low productivity are limiting the sector's ability to build new homes as construction activity remains below required levels.
Ballooning capital works blamed for budget blowout
A state will be in the red for some years as its government flags swelling infrastructure costs, as the opposition warns of the risk of potential spending cuts.
Aussies’ mammoth Xmas shopping despite economic crunch
A new record was set for Australia Post's busiest peak period during the latest festive season with 2800 parcels delivered to households every minute.
A decade past its due date, the NBN promises to deliver
Removing copper connections from the National Broadband Network will come at a cost of more than $6 billion but tech experts say the move will be worth it.
Upgraded NBN could compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink
Australia must expand its network if it wants to compete with Elon Musk's offering and provide affordable, reliable internet to the regions, an expert says.
Parents shell out billions as back-to-school costs rise
Technology is a major factor in rising back-to-school costs as Australian teachers notice an increase in students without the essentials.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Downturn in house values as ‘something’s got to give’
Australia's two most populous cities have signalled the beginning of a property downturn amid widening gaps between income, borrowing capacity and home values.
Early rate-cut hopes alive as core inflation eases
Hopes of a February interest rate cut have been rekindled as core inflation subsides, though the strong jobs market might prove a roadblock.
Tiny Tassie town dreams big with SimCity plans
Tasmania's Fingal is proposing a world-first "town twinning" partnership with the digital game SimCity, with hopes it can revitalise the 400-strong community.
Stadium build continues despite $1 billion cost blowout
An independent expert has highlighted major concerns about the cost and location of a new AFL stadium but key decision-makers are maintaining their support.
‘Best New Year’s Eve ever’ for most, but some trouble
One of the world's first celebrations of the new year reached new heights, with most enjoying their night, but some have larger troubles than just sore heads.
Canadian PM loses key ally, looks set to be booted
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership is in trouble after a key ally vowed to present a no-confidence motion.
New French government named after budget fight collapse
French President Emmanuel Macron's office has announced a new cabinet line-up following months of political deadlock.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Multi-billion dollar price tag revealed to go nuclear
The federal opposition would make taxpayers fork out the combined equivalent of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's wealth to set up nuclear reactors.
PM rubbishes Dutton’s nuclear energy plan as ‘farcical’
Anthony Albanese has poured scorn on Peter Dutton's "farcical" nuclear plan and questioned the Liberal leader's claim it would lead to cheaper energy.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.