China offers NZ visa-free travel, infrastructure funds
China and New Zealand have signed trade agreements after bilateral talks as part of a three-day visit by Premier Li Qiang.
politics
PM weighs in on fresh push for free or cheap childcare
Anthony Albanese has welcomed an expert proposal for free or low-cost childcare but parents hoping for an immediate reprieve are likely to be disappointed.
Billions spent on consultants amid integrity concerns
Australia is spending billions on consulting services despite transparency issues and conflicts of interests, prompting calls to regulate the industry.
Hamstrung at home, G7 leaders struggle with global woes
Wars, trade imbalances, development challenges and AI threats make for a daunting agenda as world leaders gather for the G7 summit in Italy.
China visit could sway Australian voters at election
A successful visit by the Chinese premier could bode well for the government ahead of an election, with a third of voters expected to consider bilateral ties.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
natural gas
politics
Not the size of the energy build, but how we use it
Many households are reducing their carbon footprint but without efficient homes or smart meters they may not be getting the best value out of clean energy.
Permits for Airbnbs required amid city rental crisis
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is set to introduce a permit system for short-term accommodation including Airbnb.
Coalition roasted over 2030 emission target backtrack
Some opposition MPs have been caught off-guard by coalition plans to drop 2030 emission reduction targets, as the prime minister hits out at the move.
PM backs ceasefire as Australia boosts Gaza aid
The federal government has announced $10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, as leaders meet for an emergency summit in Jordan on the issue.
Sunak vows tax cuts, UK election polls refuse to budge
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will cut payroll taxes for workers in the United Kingdom to reignite economic growth if his Conservatives are returned.
Pre-poll cash splash as budget targets living costs
A big-spending budget targeting cost-of-living relief that will lift Queensland's deficit to $2.6 billion has set the scene for the state election.
central bank
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
money and monetary policy
politics
Chalmers eyes soft landing amid budget criticism
The pressure on Australia's economy from higher interest rates justifies the decision not to deliver a "slash and burn" budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
Back to the future as ex-premier linked to poll push
Suggestions former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could join Labor on the campaign trail for the Queensland election have been endorsed by the treasurer.
Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years jail over conviction
US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison after being convicted by a jury of lying about his drug use to buy a gun in 2018.
Australia welcomes resolution for Middle East ceasefire
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has backed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Households keep falling behind as rate increases bite
Most borrowers are adapting to tough financial conditions but the number of people in hardship or struggling to meet repayments is growing.
2032 Games delivery authority topped up in Qld budget
The Queensland government will allocate $62 million to the Olympics delivery authority set to roll out its infrastructure plan.
Chinese premier to visit Australia for four-day tour
Li Qiang will be the first Chinese premier to visit Australia for seven years when he makes an official trip to Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
Better budget bottom line after proposals scrapped
The Queensland 2024-25 budget's bottom line is better than expected thanks to treasury putting its foot down on proposals.
Hunter Biden evidence ‘ugly,’ prosecutors tell jury
Hunter Biden has decided not to testify in his criminal trial regarding his use of illegal drugs on a background check form when he bought a gun.
UK prime minister dismisses resignation rumours
Rishi Sunak has brushed off rumours he may resign ahead of the UK election after he was heavily criticised for leaving D-Day commemorations too soon.
PM blasts opposition for shifting goals on climate
An opposition plan to rework interim climate commitments has attracted the ire of the prime minister, who says 2030 goals are achievable.
New night life boss ‘crucial’ to live music economy
The Queensland government's decision to appoint a night life economy commissioner has been welcomed as a boost for the future of the live music industry.
Federal minister joins Middle East crisis talks on Gaza
An Egyptian-born federal minister will represent Australia at crisis talks in the Middle East over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
France’s Macron calls snap election after EU vote
French President Emmanuel Macron will go to the country's voters in a snap election, after his party's drubbing in elections for the European Parliament.
Far right’s election gains rattle traditional EU powers
While some ballots in the vote for the European Parliament are still being counted, the 27-nation bloc's parliament membership has clearly shifted to the right.
Pandemic hardline premier honours ‘independent of govt’
The prime minister has played a straight bat when asked about the inclusion of a hardline pandemic-era premier in the King's Birthday Honours list.
New chair to take reins as Costello quits Nine board
Nine Entertainment deputy chair Catherine West will take over as chair of the major media company following Peter Costello's exit.
Coalition gains on Labor as cost-of-living crisis bites
Labor and the coalition are neck and neck on a two-party preferred basis as Australians struggle with the pressure to survive in a cost-of-living crisis.
Modi sworn in as Indian prime minister for third term
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a third term in a ceremony attended by thousands of dignitaries.
Labor ex leaders take top honours for King’s Birthday
Two controversial premiers, sporting heroes and the incoming governor-general feature in the King's Birthday 2024 Honours List.