Unions fear unemployment figures are hiding job losses
Though the jobless rate has held steady, thousands of Australians lost their jobs in December with many entering part-time and insecure work.
politics
Rate cut prospects up in the air as labour market cools
Some economists predict a softening labour market could bode well for interest rate cuts after Australia's jobless rate plateaued at 3.9 per cent in December.
Minister rules out intervening in DP World port dispute
The federal workplace minister has called for unions and stevedore DP World to come to the table to resolve a bitter industrial dispute.
Renewable hydrogen gets a $70m boost in Tasmania
The new Bell Bay hydrogen hub in northern Tasmania is expected to produce enough renewable energy to fuel more than 2200 heavy vehicles for a year.
Game might be over for Gabba’s $2.7b Olympic rebuild
An expensive rebuild of the Gabba could have already run its race only months after being announced as a review of the 2032 Olympic venues gets under way.
Supermarkets under scrutiny over food costs
Queensland Premier Steven Miles is set to meet supermarket bosses over the rising cost of groceries.
‘Unprecedented’ rental pain warrants urgent policy fix
Renters are experiencing unbearable levels of financial stress but one territory's bold policy choice appears to be making a difference.
‘No safe place’: Aid group warns of relief delays
Aid organisations say the situation in Gaza means it would be several days before Australian relief funds for the region get on the ground.
Insolvency on the rise, as opposition attacks govt fund
The coalition have criticised the government for the number of manufacturing businesses going under as insolvency levels rise above pre-COVID levels.
Wong sounds alarm over civilian deaths and ‘just’ peace
Penny Wong has shared Australia's concerns about the "dire" humanitarian situation in Gaza and the rising number of Palestinians being killed.
China chastises Australia for Taiwan election support
The Chinese ambassador is seeking to meet with Australian officials to raise objections to statements of support for Taiwan's democratic election.
Education expenses and fees leave parents floundering
Parents are concerned their children may have to go without essential school supplies as expenses skyrocket ahead of the 2024 school year.
‘Disinformation takeover’ a source of worry as AI grows
Voluntary regulations for AI are on the cards as concerns mount about the emerging technology's impact on jobs, copyright and disinformation.
‘Trust and transparency’ critical for growing AI sector
The federal government is considering mandatory safeguards for the use of artificial intelligence in high-risk settings.
Trump cements frontrunner status with record Iowa win
Former US president Donald Trump has posted a record win in the Republican presidential contest in Iowa as Florida governor Ron DeSantis ended a distant second.
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
Energy upgrades to ease hard decisions for renters
Amid "horror stories" from low-income households battling rising living costs, $206m will be spent to cut energy bills and open the door to solar power.
Pill testing might have stopped festival deaths: study
The rollout of pill-testing services has been thrown back into the spotlight after research highlighted a series of potentially preventable deaths at festivals.
Dallas Hayden dies months after Labor leader spouse
The wife of former governor-general Bill Hayden has died at age 87, three months after her Labor leader husband.
MPs blamed for stoking culture war over Australia Day
Politicians are leading the public conversation on Australia Day even when their views don't always reflect their communities, an expert says.
Humanitarian aid boost for Middle East unveiled
Penny Wong has pledged a further $21.5 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East, following the first stop on her trip to the region.
Taiwan loses ally Nauru to China in post-election ploy
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move Tapei has slammed as a "a blatant attack on democracy".
Doors open to housing fund as renters fall behind
A landmark government housing fund has opened its doors to developers as new data shows rental prices grew faster than home values for a second year running.
Woolworths store graffitied after boycott call
After Woolworths announced it would not stock Australia Day merchandise, one of its Brisbane stores has been targeted by vandals.
agriculture
coal
economy, business and finance
energy and resource
environmental issue
indigenous people
mining
natural gas
politics
water
Water trigger ‘too vague’ to stop onshore gas expansion
Tweaked environmental laws remain too loose to safeguard water supplies and tackle threats to food growers and country from onshore gas wells, research shows.
War of words over foreign minister’s Middle East trip
Jewish groups are calling for the foreign minister to visit the site of a massacre while Palestinians want Penny Wong to take a stronger stance against Israel.
Desperate boat rescue as monsoon drenches north Qld
Already saturated communities in north Queensland are expecting further heavy rain as a monsoon trough moves over the Cape York Peninsula.
Taiwan voters give ruling party third presidential term
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te has been elected president but the party has lost its control of parliament.
Early lead for Taiwan ruling party’s Lai in poll count
China has vowed to smash any plots for independence in Taiwan as the ruling party's candidate Lai Ching-te takes an early lead in the presidential poll count.
Already soaked, Queensland braces for more wild weather
Far north Queensland is preparing for another drenching while still reeling from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper's aftermath, with relief crews on standby.
Aldi joins Woolies in dumping Australia Day merchandise
Another supermarket chain has joined Woolworths in choosing not to sell Australia Day merchandise in a move that sparked opposition calls for a boycott.
PNG asks Australia for helicopter after deadly unrest
Australia's government remains in constant communication with Papua New Guinea and has received requests for assistance after deadly rioting and civil unrest.