Third time lucky the hope for fix to licence system
A major database holding images and home addresses of one in four Australians is decades old but replacing it has been plagued by issues, a report has found.
politics (general)
business (general)
business enterprises
corporations
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
report
Aussie firms fall short of global net zero standards
Large Australian corporations are failing to meet global best practice when it comes to reducing their carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new study.
‘Irresponsible’ comments encourage people smuggling: PM
The prime minister has again gone on the offensive after Peter Dutton's latest attack on Labor's record on border security, accusing him of "making things up".
Hyundai breaks ranks to support new car emissions rules
A popular car brand has voiced support for new rules that would cut vehicle emissions, saying Australia only has a short time to catch up to other countries.
Australia’s jobless rate hits two-year high
Fresh labour data is unlikely to shift the dial for the central bank despite the jobs market slowdown appearing a little ahead of schedule.
auto trends
automotive equipment
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
renewable energy
road transport
transport
One in four Aussies consider an electric vehicle next
A study shows more Australian drivers are keen on electric cars but the group behind the research says it also shows bad news for a fuel-efficiency standard.
High-risk AI use could be banned by new task force
Using artificial intelligence technology in risky tasks such as social scoring and biometric identification could be banned in Australia by a new group.
Last-standing Liberal government ponders early election
The only Liberal government in Australia is grappling for a way forward in minority as its agreements with defector MPs are put to the test.
Property investors won’t lose tax deductions: Treasurer
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says property investors will continue to enjoy their tax breaks, while ruling out the prospect of changes to negative gearing.
Biden, European leaders criticise Trump’s NATO comments
European leaders have reacted to Donald Trump's comments over a hypothetical Russian invasion of NATO allies not spending enough on defence.
Carrot for home buyers could deliver stick to investors
A bid to give hopeful homeowners a foot in the door could be in danger unless Labor takes steps to scale back property investor tax breaks.
alternative energy
energy (general)
energy and resource
environmental issue
national security
politics (general)
renewable energy
security
security measures
Australia will issue rules for ‘risky’ solar inverters
Australian government officials have confirmed they are developing guidelines for solar equipment after warnings about potential security vulnerabilities.
Help offered to Indigenous people ripped off by Youpla
Save Sorry Business has welcomed the federal government's $97 million support package for Indigenous people affected by the collapse of dodgy insurer Youpla.
Donors to UN agency in Gaza ‘need confidence’: Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has received advice saying Australian money is not being funnelled through an aid organisation to fund terrorism in Gaza.
US unveils $118b bill for border security, military aid
Senate negotiators have released a sweeping bipartisan border security deal that is aimed at discouraging migrants from crossing the US-Mexico border.
Insurers warned, but nation must mitigate for disasters
Insurers are being warned to do the right thing by customers devastated by natural disasters, but the nation must also invest in mitigation measures.
Insurers acknowledge faults after 2022 floods
A "substantial misalignment of interests" ensued in the wake of flood-affected people trying to have insurance claims paid out in 2022.
Insurance fund for flood-prone areas: legal advocates
Advocates say a fund to help people in flood-prone areas afford insurance premiums should be considered as a parliamentary inquiry looks at insurer practices.
Cost issues still putting child care in the corner
Government intervention, including financial backing, is among the recommendations of a review of Australia's childcare sector.
Albanese tax plan will give average earner $1500 tax cut – more than double Morrison’s Stage 3
A person on the average annual wage of $73,000 will get a tax cut of more than $1500 a year under Labor’s revamped tax policy – more than double the cut they’d have received under the Coalition’s legislated stage 3 plan.
Public schools to remain underfunded: education union
The Australian Education Union says the federal government must do more to ensure public schools are fully funded to provide every opportunity to Australians.
Financial relief on the cards as MPs rush to Canberra
Cost-of-living relief could be on the horizon as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to the capital to talk economic strategy.
PM looking for extra dollars for those ‘doing it tough’
Cost-of-living relief could be on the way as inflation begins to soften and politicians rush back to Canberra to find ways to ease the pressure on Australians.
Taiwan tries to lure Australian MPs as China watches on
Australian parliamentarians are set to be invited to visit Taiwan to meet the new leadership team after a historic win by the pro-democracy political party.
Albanese urges ‘good faith’ talks to end port dispute
A dispute between workers and Australia's second largest port operator is costing the economy millions of dollars as Anthony Albanese urges "good faith" talks.
Crackdown slated for $3 billion illegal tobacco trade
Australian Border Force will receive a major funding boost in a crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade the government has labelled a "serious tax crime".
Troops to aid in disasters as govt ponders relief force
Defence forces will remain available to assist during climate-related disasters as the federal government considers responses including a separate relief force.
Iraq invasion and carbon crusade in 2003 cabinet papers
High-level discussions about Australia's decision to enter the Iraq War and a deadly virus that swept the world have been revealed in cabinet papers from 2003.
Howard’s key role in quashing emissions trading scheme
The reason Australia rejected a significant climate change adaptation plan has been revealed in federal cabinet documents released after a 20-year embargo.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
Home values up in 2023 but affordability rears its head
A surprisingly strong year for the Australian housing market has ended on a weaker note, with performance varied across different regions and cities.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
housing and urban planning
politics (general)
House prices to fall by 3-5pct after flat end to 2023
The Australian housing market ended 2023 on a flat note, despite respectable gains across the year, and are likely to fall going into 2024, experts say.