MG3 hatchback takes out ‘cheapest car to run’ title
A large SUV can cost almost twice as much as a compact car to run, while people movers and all-terrain vehicles are the most expensive, a new study shows.
economy (general)
‘Intolerable’ housing crisis is costing Sydney billions
Housing unaffordability in Sydney is second only to Hong Kong, says a think tank boss who warns it is costing the city billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Father’s Day spending dips over cost-of-living stress
One state is expected to spend more than the rest of the country this Father's Day, but overall families are spending less due to cost-of-living pressures.
Horticulture and sugar hit give crop production a boost
The latest agricultural commodities and crop forecast shows the sector remains strong despite drier times ahead, with exports tipped to fall after record years.
Almost half of elite athletes ‘earn below poverty line’
Australia risks an exodus of top athletes ahead of the Olympics as many buckle under financial pressures and consider quitting, survey results show.
Company profits raise concerns over living costs
Hefty profits reported this week by a trio of major Australian companies, including Qantas, are feeding into public debate about the rising cost of living.
China, interest rate hikes putting handbrake on economy
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says headwinds in the Chinese economy are impacting Australia's economic growth.
Tax on the frontline as calls grow for bolder reform
Independent MP Allegra Spender has promised to keep tax reform front and centre of the national debate, accusing the major parties of playing politics.
Hard decisions to be made as Australian population ages
The federal government's upcoming Intergenerational Report will show Australians will live longer, healthier lives even as demand for care services soars.
Treasurer issues challenge over offshore gas tax change
The treasurer has challenged the opposition and the Greens to pass new laws taxing offshore gas companies and bringing forward revenue to boost the budget.
Five areas earmarked to boost living standards, wages
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is one of the nations best-placed to respond to global economic headwinds, given the strength of its labour market.
Australia’s care workforce to soar as population ages
Australian life expectancies will continue to hit an advanced age, with a key sector of the economy expected to grow as a result, a key report shows.
Major parties to face pressure on tackling tax reform
Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis want to see tax reform but an independent senator says major parties are unwilling to have the conversation.
Next day delivery as Aust Post launches metro service
Australia Post will launch next day deliveries across three metropolitan cities to keep up with growing consumer demands.
Australia’s answer to Silicon Valley are tech clusters
Top tech innovators are scattered through 96 "tech clusters", a report reveals, including four major hubs expected to create the jobs of tomorrow.
Stubborn inflation hangs over challenging rates call
The end of the interest rate hikes may be in sight but the next cash rate call won't be an easy decision, with high inflation proving hard to knock over.
Women, young people wanted to fill 70,000 rail jobs gap
Australia will need thousands more people working on rail over the next five years, with people holding digital skills, women and young workers in high demand.
Cooling inflation could keep interest rates on ice
A solid slowdown in the inflation rate could be enough to convince the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates on hold for a second consecutive month.
Budget’s $20b sugar hit won’t be shared with households
Households dealing with cost-of-living pressures are unlikely to get any extra relief despite a budget surplus shaping up to be much larger than forecast.
Aussies live longer and prosper but face money worries
Life expectancy and job satisfaction in Australia have improved but a report tracking the nation's wellbeing was less positive on other key measures.
Coalition to target ‘Albo-nomics’ after Fadden win
Following an LNP win in a Queensland by-election, Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley will spearhead a coalition attack on Labor's economic management.
Porter Davis creditor talks fail to answer debt queries
Representatives of hundreds of creditors owed millions of dollars by builder Porter Davis have met liquidators for an update on getting their money back.
Rent freezes and rent caps will only worsen, not solve Australia’s rental crisis
Australia used rent controls effectively during the two world wars. However, they have been used in other countries without much success. Using basic economic principles, there is evidence freezes worsen inequality and actually reduce availability.
Promise for renters’ rights to be on national agenda
As national cabinet prepares to consider how to improve renters' rights, the federal government has ruled out price caps after its housing fund was deferred.
Steep rate rises cleared for NSW councils
Some NSW councils will be able to increase rates this year by more than a third as many local governments struggle with financial pressures.
Inflation-beating pay rises can’t be widespread: RBA
RBA governor Philip Lowe says the lowest-paid workers need to be insulated from high inflation but a surge in wages across the board could be a problem.
Renewables relief deal to help curb power price surges
The promise of cheaper energy bills in the future could be too late for many Australian households concerned about powering their homes this winter.
Thousands rally to denounce $715m Hobart AFL stadium
The under-fire Tasmanian premier has been told to stick plans for a AFL stadium up his rear end as thousands voiced opposition to the controversial project.
Liberals on brink of minority government in Tasmania
The Tasmanian Liberal government will be thrown into a minority as two MPs plan to quit the party over issues including plans to build an AFL stadium.
Libs in minority government as MPs quit over stadium
The Tasmanian Liberal government has been thrown into minority as two MPs quit the party over plans to build an AFL stadium in Hobart.
Chalmers defends budget criticism of not enough support
Jim Chalmers says his budget provided targeted cost of living relief to the most vulnerable, fending off attacks that not enough was done for middle Australia.