End of the road trip: Aussies drive less to save fuel
Seven in every 10 Australian motorists are driving less to avoid rising fuel prices, a new survey shows, amid widespread support for new standards.
economy (general)
New industrial relations law to help deliver pay rises for Early Childhood Educators
Federal Government representatives have joined the Multi-Employer Bargaining meeting for early childhood educators alongside the United Workers Union
Australia’s rental market woes go from bad to worse
Regional areas in the Sunshine State are now the most unaffordable places for renters to live, as affordable housing concerns spread beyond capital cities.
More pain for borrowers as big banks pass on rate hike
Three of Australia's biggest banks have hiked interest rates in response to the Reserve Bank's latest cash rate increase.
Photo finish looms for Melbourne Cup interest rate call
Australian borrowers could be hit with another interest rate hike at a closely run Melbourne Cup Day cash rate call.
Retail sales dig in with hotter than expected growth
The new iPhone model, government policies and unseasonably warm weather have all helped prop up retail sales ahead of a much-anticipated cash rate decision.
Strong competition as Vic economy ranked nation’s best
Economic activity, retail spending and business investment has catapulted Victoria to best performing economy in the nation but it faces stiff competition.
Auction jump ahead of expected Cup day rate hike
An expected rate hike on Melbourne Cup Day has impacted the number of homes going under the hammer, with clearance rates tipped to jump.
Xi warns against China decoupling, lauds Belt and Road
Russia's Vladimir Putin was prominent at a Beijing forum where President Xi Jinping criticised Western efforts to reduce dependence on the Chinese economy.
Broadband in the boondocks delivers big jobs boost
Households in regional and remote areas are benefiting most from faster broadband, which is also creating more jobs, according to a report.
Price-setting ‘missing’ in the inflation story: Fels
Former competition watchdog chair Allan Fels is scrutinising the connection between corporate price setting and profits and current high inflation.
Public sector reforms may spell budget blues for NSW
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey's budget figures could be in jeopardy, with interest rate rises impacting inflation in the year ahead.
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.
‘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.