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.
economy (general)
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.
Plight of cold chain operator rings alarms bells
The fate of Scott's Refrigerated Logistics, which is the nation's largest cold chain transport operator, has set alarm bells ringing through the sector.
Super objective Labor’s top priority, not tax breaks
The federal government says it has made no decisions about major superannuation tax changes as the opposition continues its attack on the hinted proposals.
‘No mandate’ for changes to superannuation tax breaks
The federal opposition will not support changes to superannuation tax breaks flagged by the treasurer as he looks for opportunities to repair the budget.
Modest wage growth may take heat out of rate-rise cycle
Wages have improved again but by less than expected and not nearly enough to keep up with the cripplingly high cost of living.
Reserve Bank hikes interest rate, flags further rises
The Reserve Bank's hike in the cash rate to 3.35 per cent and indication of further rises has many concerned about the impact on jobs and the economy.
Wholesale energy prices, emissions falling
Wholesale electricity prices and carbon emissions dropped in the December quarter as solar and wind became "most valuable player" in the Australian market.
Hefty pay rises required to beat inflation
The soaring cost of living is leaving wages for dust, with workers needing generous pay rises to outpace inflation.