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.
economy (general)
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.
Treasurer seeks to soothe budget relief inflation worry
Jim Chalmers says his budget will not fan inflation or lead to more interest rate rises but some leading economic experts are not convinced.
Workers on track for fastest wage growth in decades
Fierce competition for workers and government wage polices are expected to underpin strong wage growth in 2024, the federal budget papers confirm.
Gas tax changes, super breaks on budget repair agenda
The treasurer has ruled out tinkering with family tax benefits when he hands down his second budget in May, but he could have gas producers in his sights.
Expert warns of growing tax burden ahead of budget
Former Treasury boss Ken Henry warns inadequate tax settings are worsening intergenerational inequality as the treasurer prepares for his second budget.
Shopping centres rebound in full year with no lockdowns
Major Australian shopping centres have turned over a record $54 billion in sales last year as customers returned to bricks and mortar shops after lockdowns.
Victorians facing energy price hikes of 30 per cent
Victoria's Essential Services Commission has proposed annual power bill increases of $426 a year for residential electricity customers on default offers.
More pain to come for mortgage holders, say economists
Despite a softening of language from the RBA, economists are tipping another rate rise when the central bank next meets.
Cost-of-living concerns impacting Aussie travel plans
After rebounding from the pandemic, the travel industry is facing further setbacks as holidaymakers face cost-of-living concerns.
Business conditions still strong, but confidence waning
Business conditions remain firmly in positive territory despite successive interest rate rises, although sentiment in the community has dived.
Households carry rate pain as businesses flourish
The disconnect between households worried about wages and mortgage repayments and businesses, which appear to be doing just fine, hasn't gone unnoticed.
Airfare prices flying high but descent in sight
Domestic airfares are still flying well above pre-pandemic levels but relief is in sight for passengers as prices start to drop.
economy (general)
food - consumer goods
housing and urban planning
indigenous people
politics (general)
poverty
prices
torres strait
Premier acts on Torres Strait cost-of-living summit
A Torres Strait Islands cost-of-living summit looking at how to ease soaring basic food prices, particularly on outer islands, will be held on March 20.