Mining export slump puts federal budget in the doldrums
Economic headwinds from China has sparked a major downgrade to Australia's budget position, limiting the government's ability to support struggling households.
economy (general)
AI used to target election fraud and criminal deepfakes
Government agencies are teaming up with Microsoft to track disinformation and criminal acts, with plans to use AI to detect attempts to interfere in elections.
Bank chief doubts trade-war risk will cancel Christmas
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come has visited the RBA deputy, revealing little chance of the global economy plunging into another Depression.
Wanted: one million Aussies, Kiwis to learn AI skills
Microsoft wants to train at least one million Australians and New Zealanders in how to use AI tools over the next two years as part of a worldwide push.
Drivers hit the brakes on car buys as economy slows
New vehicle sales continue to slow down in Australia, in what industry experts say is a 'disturbing trend' and a sign the cost of living is biting.
Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
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.
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.
Deals on the bus go down, down: transport costs plunge
Transport costs have fallen for Australian households, a report shows, led by public transport discounts and falling fuel prices.
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
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.
Building data nailed but future framework doubts linger
Home building approvals have broken a two-year ceiling but industry groups warn it's not enough to meet a target of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
Plug in, get paid: EV drivers to tap into batteries
Electric vehicle drivers could plug their cars into the electricity grid and earn money next year following a partnership between two manufacturers.
‘Morons’: Multi-faith condemnation over Myer protest
Multi-faith leaders have stood in solidarity against protesters planning to target a Christmas event, as the organiser insisted children were never a target.
APEC leaders to open summit amid Trump uncertainty
Major leaders are gathering in Peru for APEC, including outgoing US President Joe Biden as the return of his successor Donald Trump hangs over the forum.
Australia aims to bolster Pacific banking, labour visa
The federal government is working on a solution to ensure a major bank maintains services in the Pacific while bolstering the integrity of financial systems.
New vehicle sales slow down as economy applies brakes
New vehicle sales have fallen in Australia for the third month in a row, with sales figures revealing private buyers were most likely to drive on by.
Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
Labor banking on education plan to give it a clean run
As federal MPs return to Canberra, the Labor government is hoping its education reforms will allow it to end the political year on a high ahead of the election.
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
Two forums looking a nuclear power and renewable energy have been told contrasting views about their impact on power prices.
Mosaic Brands enters voluntary administration
The parent company of iconic clothing brands Rivers, Millers and Katies has entered voluntary administration.
No spending free-for-all: treasurer sets election tone
Any further cost-of-living relief will need to be balanced carefully against budget constraints and economic circumstances, the federal treasurer says.
Women still face barriers to entering the tech industry
Australia's digital industry is crying out for female workers but research shows they are still finding it tough to get in the door.
US approves Australian Ioneer’s Nevada lithium mine
The Biden administration has given the nod to an Australian lithium mine in Nevada despite concerns for a rare flower at the site.
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Labour shortages still ‘number one’ concern: RBA
Firms are struggling to retain workers as activity from mining, infrastructure projects and even the 2032 Brisbane Olympics keeps demand for labour high.
It’s not you: banking outages are taking longer to fix
Digital payment services are under increasing pressure as Aussies ditch cash and they are mostly rising to the task, a Reserve Bank report has found.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
Rental crisis is everywhere, dire for essential workers
The rental crisis is now in every community, as the nation's essential workers struggle to find affordable homes to rent and monthly dwelling approvals drop.
Green ideals meet hip-pocket pain as power prices surge
Young Australians are most likely to pay a premium to access renewable energy at home, a study has found, but high energy prices are turning off others.