Musicians singing the blues in an underpaid industry
As the nation's live music sector struggles to bounce back post-pandemic, a survey has revealed the extent to which musicians are being short-changed.
economy (general)
Wage review should consider tax cuts: retail bosses
The retail sector wants the workplace umpire to be more conservative as it considers the size of the next annual pay rise for millions of low-paid workers.
Amazon plans to recruit ‘a handful’ of small businesses
US retail giant Amazon has revealed plans to expand its delivery network in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane using local small businesses.
Australian Bitcoin buffs say ‘bull run’ just beginning
Australian cryptocurrency enthusiasts are confident "it's a brand new world" after Bitcoin hit the highest price in its 15-year history.
Australian broadband to get a speed boost, but slowly
More than nine million households and businesses could get a significant boost to their broadband connection later in 2024 following fibre upgrades.
University student safety watchdog set for 2025 entry
A new student ombudsman who will be able to handle complaints about how universities respond to sexual assault and other issues is slated to start in 2025.
Qld premier announces $570m battery industry strategy
Premier Steven Miles says he is confident Queensland's battery market will excel on the world stage after announcing a $570 million investment.
Treasury eyes ‘rare’ full employment opportunity
No evidence of a wage price spiral suggests the jobless rate can stay lower than previously thought sustainable, says the top Treasury official.
Stamp duty costs climb as home buyers struggle to save
Market analysis has revealed the rising cost of stamp duty on property purchases - and its impact on people trying to break into the housing market.
Urgent changes needed to support women in STEM jobs
A new report recommends changes to support more diversity in science, engineering and technology jobs, as the industry fails to embrace change.
Coalition ‘cannot be taken seriously’ on tax, PM claims
The prime minister says the federal opposition cannot be taken seriously after agreeing to back in stage three tax cut changes following earlier criticism.
Home lending sinks but a stronger 2024 on the horizon
New home loan activity has dipped after a promising few months but improving economic conditions should pave the way for a better 2024.
Prices ease but insurance and housing are still biting
Consumer price growth is coming off the boil but some key essential goods and services are still painfully elevated.
Inflation rate eases to two-year low in welcome sign
A larger-than-expected slowdown in the inflation rate has all but assured there will be no change in interest rates at the Reserve Bank's meeting next week.
Cost of living soaring across Queensland: Report
Queenslanders are battling to meet a basic standard of living, with Brisbane leading Australia when it comes to rent, energy, insurance and health price hikes.
Changing of the guard at Future Fund puts Combet at top
Former ACTU leader and Labor minister Greg Combet is the new chair of Australia's sovereign wealth fund, replacing Liberal stalwart Peter Costello.
Albanese tax plan will give average earner $1500 tax cut – more than double Morrison’s Stage 3
A person on the average annual wage of $73,000 will get a tax cut of more than $1500 a year under Labor’s revamped tax policy – more than double the cut they’d have received under the Coalition’s legislated stage 3 plan.
Unions fear unemployment figures are hiding job losses
Though the jobless rate has held steady, thousands of Australians lost their jobs in December with many entering part-time and insecure work.
Slower-than-expected inflation lifts rate pause hopes
Surprisingly lower inflation growth has given mortgage holders renewed hope interest rates won't be lifted again in February.
Supermarkets told to pass on savings at the checkout
Supermarkets have been told to pass on savings as calls echo for the consumer watchdog to launch an inquiry into their behaviour.
Shoppers to spend almost $24b on Boxing Day sales
Australians are expected to spend big in the Boxing Day sales, the "Grand Final" of shopping around the nation which starts on Tuesday.
Clean up begins as nation stirs after New Year’s party
The New Year has dawned with hangovers from 2023 as cities and towns deal with the aftermath of huge parties around the country.
Aussie households boost savings buffer by $10 billion
Many Australians are continuing to build up the savings they set up during the pandemic and together have more than $1 trillion stashed away in the bank.
Cost of living relief on table but cash handouts vetoed
Finely-tuned government assistance could be on its way for households struggling under cost of living pressures, the prime minister says.
NZ government axes $7b in projects as forecasts worsen
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the previous government were "economic and fiscal vandals", revealing a worsening set of economic forecasts.
consumer goods
consumer issue - macro economics
consumers
economic policy
economy (general)
road transport
transport
Transport costs accelerate by more than $900 a year
Households in some parts of Australia are paying more than $27,000 a year for transport after costs in the industry rose again.
Australia passes parcel record with Black Friday boost
A record 53.5 million parcels were processed in November following the Black Friday Sales, with more than half of households nabbing a bargain online.
computing and information technology
economy (general)
employment
it/computer sciences
job layoffs
science and technology
technology (general)
White collar staff among first to face AI wave: report
Professions likely to feel the early impact of artificial intelligence have been identified by a report that warns training must adapt to fit the technology.
Carnival Australia shuns big city port over fee hike
Popular Carnival Australia lines Princess Cruises and Cunard will no longer sail from Melbourne in 2025-26 because of a jump in port fees and charges.
Chalmers open to talks with states on GST
Ahead of a treasurers' meeting, Jim Chalmers says he will work with the states to ensure they get a fair share of goods and services tax revenue.
Shoppers spend big on Black Friday sales
Australians are tipped to spend more than $6 billion on Black Friday bargains, providing a boost to retailers grappling with a slow year of sales.