‘Tales of two insolvencies’: small business failures up
Credit-demand figures indicate business conditions have been headed south since before the US-Israeli war on Iran rocked global energy markets.
national news
Wars cause spike in security fears among young people
A majority of Australians want the government to share more information about national security at a time of global crisis.
Australia warned to act fast on drone terror threat
Drone-based terror attacks pose an increasing threat to Australia's national security and urgent action is needed, a report warns.
EU leader touches down as PM hopes to land trade deal
The president of the European Commission has begun her three-day visit to Australia, as a long-awaited free-trade deal with the bloc appears set to be resolved.
Premier’s offer as One Nation breaks through at polls
As One Nation secures its first lower house seat outside of its heartland, a re-elected premier says he's focused on bringing people together.
‘Bumps’ but no fuel shock yet as tankers cancelled
The war in the Middle East has forced six fuel shipments to Australia to be cancelled, but a minister insists any shortages are demand not supply driven.
Upcoming inflation data to show calm before the storm
February consumer price data to be released on Wednesday will shape the Reserve Bank's thinking on interest rates ahead of a crucial meeting in May.
PM’s veiled message after One Nation election surge
Pauline Hanson's anti-immigration party has achieved its best election result since 1998, sending shockwaves through the ranks of its conservative rivals.
Hit cake-swap event plates up for Australian debut
A globally popular cake swap picnic event is being held in Australia for the first time, with about 1600 cakes on show - and yes, there are seconds.
Free midday power just the start for energy equity
Zero-cost daytime energy is about capitalising on Australia's solar success story but more could be done to ensure renters and apartment occupants benefit.
‘New normal’: rampant Labor masks fractured politics
A landslide Labor win with a surging One Nation and shrinking Liberal vote is symbolic of a shifting landscape in Australian politics, analysts say.
Nationals going hyper to bring back carefree Australia
Powered by energy drinks and dreams of cult hero love children, Nationals leader Matt Canavan is doing regional politics on steroids.
Fuel companies warned to give Aussies fair go at bowser
To address fuel availability issues at service stations, companies will be allowed to co-ordinate with each other on supply but not prices.
Labor clinches second term as One Nation surges at poll
Labor has stormed to a huge win in South Australia, as One Nation hopes its historic second placing translates into seats.
Hospital evacuated as sodden ground braces for Narelle
Communities still reeling from recent flooding are now dealing with evacuated hospitals, the prospect of extreme weather and surging tides.
Actor Chuck Norris dies at the age of 86
US action star Chuck Norris has died at the age of 86, his family has announced in a social media post.
Two men in hospital after brazen alleged hit and run
A man will spend the night behind bars after he allegedly strangled an unknown man and pinned another under his car before driving away.
National eyes on election where there is a second prize
Intense political interest is focused on which party can secure second place in a state election in which almost half of voters have already cast their ballots.
Labor considers windfall gas tax amid Iran price spike
A new tax on extraordinary gas profits caused by the Middle East conflict could raise an extra $27 billion per year for the federal budget, advocates say.
Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b
The bourse is down for a third straight week with more than $270 billion wiped from its market value since US attacks on Iran sparked an energy market crisis.
Relief as hundreds evacuated from path of cyclone
Evacuees from the path of a cyclone feel safe but are anxious about the homes and pets they left behind as flood-hit Top End communities face a further deluge.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
money and monetary policy
Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
One Nation forecast to become federal opposition: poll
A new poll has shown the coalition slipping to as low as nine seats in federal parliament, as One Nation surges in support among voters.
‘Battle is over’: advocate’s relief as abuser sentenced
A convicted child abuser has walked away from court with a suspended prison sentence, leaving his victim happy to case is finally over.
Killer jailed after brutally betraying young son
A violent, drug-using widower has been jailed for decades for ripping his family apart by fatally stabbing his three-year-old son over unfounded fears.
Syndicate allegedly shipped stolen cars to Middle East
A criminal syndicate allegedly stole hundreds of high-end cars in Victoria and Queensland before shipping them to the Middle East for profit.
Prayers, protesters at end-of-Ramadan celebrations
Australia's Muslim community has marked the end of Ramadan, but the prime minister's appearance at a major mosque was met with a cold response.
Bumpy path predicted for self-driving cars in Australia
Australia could cut emissions and car parks by introducing self-driving cars, but the technology could also have unexpected negative effects on roads.
Aussies urged to work from home to save precious fuel
As dozens of servos run dry of petrol and diesel, the nation's road commuters are being told to go slower or even stay at home to ease the pain of fuel shocks.
Aussie shares plunge, oil prices spike as war escalates
The Australian stock market has fallen to its lowest level since November, with heavy losses for goldminers as the yellow metal fell to $US4,850.
‘Abhorrent male bravado’: men jailed for violating girl
Two regional footballers who preyed on a 14-year-old girl at a birthday party for their own "perverted sexual gratification" have been locked up.