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.
economy (general)
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.
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.
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
employee
employer
internet
research
science and technology
software
survey
technology (general)
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.
business (general)
economic indicator
economic policy
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
report
unemployment
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.
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.
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.
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
internet
online
politics
politics (general)
science and technology
social issues (general)
technology (general)
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.
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
employment
inflation and deflation
labour
macro economics
politics
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
laws
regulatory policy and organisation
research
research and development
science and technology
software
technology (general)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
breaking_news
economy (general)
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
natural resources
nuclear policy
nuclear power
politics
renewable energy
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.
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.
business (general)
computing and information technology
crime, law and justice
economy (general)
internet
online
science and technology
software
technology (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.
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.
auto trends
automotive equipment
budgets and budgeting
consumer issue - macro economics
consumers
economy (general)
road transport
transport
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.