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.
politics
Cairns hosts Qld sittings of regional parliament
Queensland MPs are in Cairns for the sittings of regional parliament, with cost of living, youth crime and the Path to Treaty laws set to dominate debate.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
NSW coalition front bench resolved at eleventh hour
Former premier Dominic Perrottet has declined an invitation to join the NSW opposition leader's front bench, which was settled hours before the new parliament.
Brawling NSW Nationals elect Dubbo MP as leader
The NSW Nationals have elected Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders as the new party leader after a feud broke out one day before the return of parliament.
South Australia woos backers for green hydrogen, steel
The world needs South Australian-made green hydrogen, ammonia and steel to meet net-zero emission targets, Premier Peter Malinauskas will tell investors.
Budget cost shifting not about ‘slash and cut and burn’
The federal government assures its almost $18 billion in re-prioritised spending is sensible and won't drain programs of money they need.
Review details benefits of exclusive Sam Smith concert
The South Australian government has revealed the full benefits of an exclusive Sam Smith concert which drew heavy criticism.
Housing, jobs on federal parliament agenda
It may be budget week in federal parliament but there are a number of other priorities for the Albanese government, including housing and job security.
Police warn vigilantes angered by youth crime wave
Police and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have called for community calm after a vigilante mob frustrated by youth crime surrounded homes in central Queensland.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Fadden by-election to be next big test for Liberals
While Fadden is seen as a safe seat for the coalition, the upcoming by-election in the Gold Coast electorate will bring new challenges for Peter Dutton.
Victoria to launch digital driver’s licences by 2024
Victoria will trial digital driver's licences in a regional city for six months before launching the technology across the state next year.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Budget tipped to go back in black, debts reduced
The federal budget is forecasting a near $4 billion surplus for this financial year and smaller deficits over the forward estimates.
Payment boost for single parents as age limit lifted
The cut-off for the single parent payment will be raised from eight years to 14 for the youngest child under changes in the federal budget.
‘Drover’s dog’ could deliver budget surplus: Coalition
The coalition has rained on any sense of achievement Jim Chalmers might feel if he delivers a budget surplus, saying the test will be if it can be maintained.
Petroleum tax changes to give Aussies a ‘fairer return’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced changes to the petroleum resource rent tax which he says will mean the offshore LNG industry pays more tax, sooner.
PM’s coronation attendance and pledge to King ‘crucial’
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he is honoured to have represented Australia at the coronation of King Charles.
Billion-dollar gas tax plan faces a major hurdle
The opposition wants more detail before backing the government's plan to overhaul the petroleum resource rent tax, while the Greens say it needs to go further.
New coal mines plans buried by federal minister
The China Stone Coal and Range Coal projects have been cancelled because the companies involved have not being willing to show how they would protect nature.
budgets and budgeting
coal
economy, business and finance
employment
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
mining
politics
National body to ease shock of clean energy transition
The federal budget will fund a national authority to manage the job losses and opportunities in switching from coal-fired power to widespread renewable energy.
RBA flags inflation concern over tighter rental squeeze
The red-hot rental market is one source of uncertainty hanging over the Reserve Bank's plan to hammer down inflation.
Liberals to look local for Stuart Robert replacement
A by-election will be triggered in the Queensland seat of Fadden following the retirement of Liberal MP Stuart Robert.
Judge chides Attorney-General over ‘personal decision’
Adam Cranston helped divert more than $105 million from the tax office, but a judge is "profoundly unhappy" taxpayers will no longer fund his defence.
Deputy premier slams critics for ‘politicising’ tragedy
The Palaszczuk government has touted a young offenders program while accusing its critics of politicising a tragedy as it defends its approach to youth crime.
Short-term budget bounce but long-term pressures remain
A temporary boost to the budget bottom line will be welcome but fast-growing spending is likely to keep pressure on federal government finances.
Albanese steps around republic debate before coronation
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to respect institutions such as the royal family while praising King Charles' concerns about the future.
Australian in Sudan told ‘no baby passport, no return’
An Australian woman stuck in Sudan with her eight-month-old baby says she's been told they can't come home unless the child has a passport.
Assange backers buoyed as PM says ‘enough is enough’
Comments by Australia's prime minister and opposition leader on Julian Assange's fate send a strong signal to the US, supporters of the WikiLeaks founder say.
Premier highlights social media’s role in youth crime
Young people boasting about crimes on social media can lead to copycats, and platforms have a role to play in moderating posts, the Queensland premier says.