Inflation, slowing demand increase risks for business
The combined impact of high inflation, rising interest rates and slowing consumer demand are taking a toll on Australian businesses, especially smaller ones.
politics
Minns baulks on nurses’ pay in NSW leaders debate
He'll scrap a public sector wages cap if elected but NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has fallen short of guaranteeing higher wages during an hour-long TV debate.
Calls to protect payments following builder collapse
Advocates have called for federal reforms to protect worker payments following the collapse of prominent construction companies.
Qld homes, businesses to get electricity bill relief
The Queensland government has promised to give households and small businesses in the state's southeast bigger electricity bill rebates in 2023/24.
Keating sinks the boot into ‘irrational’ AUKUS deal
Paul Keating has launched a scathing attack on the AUKUS security arrangement, calling it irrational and an affront to Australia's public administration.
Nurses to sue NSW government over staff shortages
Nurses are taking the NSW government to court using examples of staff shortages they say deprive patients of adequate care.
Power prices to soar as Australia heads into winter
Energy regulators expect maximum residential electricity prices to rise more than 30 per cent in some areas amid high commodity prices and generation costs.
US drone crashes into Black Sea after Russian intercept
A Russian fighter jet struck the propeller of a US military spy drone, causing the unmanned aerial vehicle to crash into the Black Sea, US officials say.
Premier’s kids’ kitty open to children born interstate
Dominic Perrottet believes his new kids' future fund is great policy, but questions linger over who is eligible and whether it will instead increase inequality.
Ukraine’s grim warning on Russian social media meddling
Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko has warned Australia that Russia is exploiting social media divisions to undermine democracy.
Queensland MPs debate controversial youth crime laws
Youth crime laws are expected to pass state parliament in Queensland this week after serious concerns were raised by human rights groups.
Demand for urgent change to GST ‘atrocity’ rebuffed
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has rejected a call from his Victorian counterpart to urgently reassess the GST system amid claims it favours Western Australia.
Mental health workers ‘despair’ at state of NSW system
A report from the front line of mental health care in NSW shows a system struggling with "fractured" services, but the government says funding is significant.
Business conditions still strong, but confidence waning
Business conditions remain firmly in positive territory despite successive interest rate rises, although sentiment in the community has dived.
Australia to command eight nuclear subs in $368b deal
A new class of nuclear-powered submarines will be in Australia by the early 2040s under plans to acquire eight vessels in its largest-ever defence investment.
Cost-of-living concerns impacting Aussie travel plans
After rebounding from the pandemic, the travel industry is facing further setbacks as holidaymakers face cost-of-living concerns.
Australia to command eight nuclear subs
A new class of nuclear powered submarines will be in Australian hands in the early 2040s, with Canberra planning to acquire a total of eight vessels.
Bank stock rout deepens amid SVB contagion fears
President Joe Biden says the public confidence the US banking system is safe, but global banking
More pain to come for mortgage holders, say economists
Despite a softening of language from the RBA, economists are tipping another rate rise when the central bank next meets.
Minns to put brakes on kids fund as campaign rolls on
Labor won't adopt the Liberal Party plan to create a future fund for NSW children, saying funding education properly now is best for the next generation.
Hipkins axes Ardern policies, poll puts NZ Labour ahead
New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins has scrapped several climate policies of his predecessor Jacinda Ardern, saying he can achieve emissions cuts more efficiently.
‘Cold comfort’ for households with energy prices rising
Electricity prices will be considerably lower than originally predicted but the energy minister says this is cold comfort for households battling rising costs.
economy, business and finance
energy
energy and resource
environmental issue
metal and mineral
mining
politics
Time to rethink green hydrogen approach: go local
Going toe-to-toe with the United States on green hydrogen may be "ridiculous", but chemical plants at mines for local supply may be viable despite challenges.
NSW Liberals to seed $400 future accounts for children
The NSW Liberals have officially launched their campaign for re-election with a promise to help young people create savings funds of up to $49,000.
Industry touts renewable gas to rival electrification
Electrifying everything is an unnecessary hit on taxpayers because conventional LPG will be phased out and replaced by a clean version, the industry says.
Industry leaders fear shortfall in nuclear subs workers
The plan to acquire nuclear-propelled submarines is set to create up to 20,000 jobs but the tertiary education sector will need to ramp up to meet demand.
Qld opposition: domestic violence rates still too high
The Queensland government isn't doing enough to ensure women's safety, the LNP says, following data showing an increase in breaches of domestic violence orders.
NSW Greens put up a list of balance of power demands
Federal Greens leader Adam Bandt has helped launch the NSW Greens election campaign, listing seven demands that must be met if it holds the balance of power.
Rural independents threaten NSW coalition power
Rural NSW is a key battleground in the state election, with the possibility much of the west could be represented by independents in a minority government.
‘Bollywood to Brisbane’: Australia signs new film deal
An agreement to encourage collaboration between the Australian and Indian film industries is being hailed by the government as a big moment between the nations.
Charities watchdog probes Hillsong Church fraud claims
The charities watchdog is investigating Hillsong Church over allegations made under parliamentary privilege of fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.