Call to boost Aussie research funds as review launches
A study of Australian research investments has been welcomed by business, academic and technology groups, but some say more urgent action is needed.
economy (general)
Building data nailed but future framework doubts linger
Home building approvals have broken a two-year ceiling but industry groups warn it's not enough to meet a target of 1.2 million homes by 2029.
Hint of consumer recovery to keep RBA focused on prices
Australia's retail sales enjoyed a boost from an early start to Black Friday discounting and recovering bank balances following tax cuts.
business (general)
computing and information technology
economy (general)
inquiry
laws
politics
politics (general)
regulatory policy and organisation
science and technology
software
technology (general)
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
alternative energy
casino and gambling
economic policy
economy (general)
house building
inflation and deflation
internet
manufacturing and engineering
politics
renewable energy
social issue
Labor notches win as time runs out on political year
Labor has chalked up a last-minute legislative victory, with the Greens backing its housing scheme, as several MPs bid Canberra farewell.
Plug in, get paid: EV drivers to tap into batteries
Electric vehicle drivers could plug their cars into the electricity grid and earn money next year following a partnership between two manufacturers.
APEC leaders to open summit amid Trump uncertainty
Major leaders are gathering in Peru for APEC, including outgoing US President Joe Biden as the return of his successor Donald Trump hangs over the forum.
‘Morons’: Multi-faith condemnation over Myer protest
Multi-faith leaders have stood in solidarity against protesters planning to target a Christmas event, as the organiser insisted children were never a target.
Australia aims to bolster Pacific banking, labour visa
The federal government is working on a solution to ensure a major bank maintains services in the Pacific while bolstering the integrity of financial systems.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
consumers
diesel fuel
economy (general)
energy (general)
environmental issue
road transport
transport
New vehicle sales slow down as economy applies brakes
New vehicle sales have fallen in Australia for the third month in a row, with sales figures revealing private buyers were most likely to drive on by.
Labor banking on education plan to give it a clean run
As federal MPs return to Canberra, the Labor government is hoping its education reforms will allow it to end the political year on a high ahead of the election.
Right wing surges, abortion resonating as US poll heats
Australia's political class appear stressed about US defence and trade relationships if Donald Trump scoops the presidency, which could also fire up the right.
Mosaic Brands enters voluntary administration
The parent company of iconic clothing brands Rivers, Millers and Katies has entered voluntary administration.
alternative energy
economy (general)
energy
energy (general)
energy resources
environmental issue
nuclear power
renewable energy
Nuclear and renewables at odds over power bill shock
Two forums looking a nuclear power and renewable energy have been told contrasting views about their impact on power prices.
Women still face barriers to entering the tech industry
Australia's digital industry is crying out for female workers but research shows they are still finding it tough to get in the door.
No spending free-for-all: treasurer sets election tone
Any further cost-of-living relief will need to be balanced carefully against budget constraints and economic circumstances, the federal treasurer says.
US approves Australian Ioneer’s Nevada lithium mine
The Biden administration has given the nod to an Australian lithium mine in Nevada despite concerns for a rare flower at the site.
‘No doubt’ inflation is moderating: finance minister
Much is riding on quarterly inflation data out next week as Australia's slow progress by international standards has Labor defending its economic record.
Labour shortages still ‘number one’ concern: RBA
Firms are struggling to retain workers as activity from mining, infrastructure projects and even the 2032 Brisbane Olympics keeps demand for labour high.
It’s not you: banking outages are taking longer to fix
Digital payment services are under increasing pressure as Aussies ditch cash and they are mostly rising to the task, a Reserve Bank report has found.
Rental crisis is everywhere, dire for essential workers
The rental crisis is now in every community, as the nation's essential workers struggle to find affordable homes to rent and monthly dwelling approvals drop.
Supermarkets tight-lipped on Tim Tam price discrepancy
Australia's major supermarkets say their suppliers are being hit by inflation which is trickling through to prices at the checkout.
consumer confidence
consumers
economy (general)
energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
energy resources
energy saving
environmental issue
environmental pollution
renewable energy
Green ideals meet hip-pocket pain as power prices surge
Young Australians are most likely to pay a premium to access renewable energy at home, a study has found, but high energy prices are turning off others.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
economy (general)
energy (general)
environmental issue
road transport
sales
transport
Hybrid vehicles in fast lane, as petrol cars slow down
Australians are buying fewer new cars as the economy bites but hybrid vehicles are bucking the trend, sales figures have revealed.
Bigger budget surplus not ‘an end in itself’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says a better-than-expected $15.8 billion budget surplus doesn't mean cost-of-living measures have been forgotten.
Million-dollar madness: record suburbs in seven figures
More suburbs than ever have median house or unit prices of more than $1 million, with economists predicting the number will continue to grow.
banking
central bank
economic indicator
economic policy
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
politics
Labor, expert lash ‘crazy’ call to step in over rates
Calls for Canberra to intervene with the Reserve Bank to lower interest rates to get financial reforms over the line have been rejected by Labor.
War of words over inflation as national debt dives
Australia lags behind western nations in tackling inflation, the shadow treasurer says, as the Reserve Bank mulls whether to lower interest rates.
Fading economy yet to unlock rate cuts for watchful RBA
The economy might be slowing but the Reserve Bank chief wants inflation to moderate further before opening the door to interest rate cuts.
auto trends
automotive equipment
consumer goods
economy (general)
energy (general)
environmental issue
road transport
sales
transport
Cost of living puts the brakes on new vehicle sales
Vehicle sales have slowed down in Australia, with passenger and petrol cars taking significant hits, but the industry says it is still a "positive result".
Rising livestock prices behind agricultural growth
Rising red meat prices and strong seasonal conditions are driving growth, with agricultural production expected to hit $86 billion this financial year.