Building insurance costs soar after companies go under
The demise of several big construction companies has triggered a massive jump in insurance premiums for homebuilders.
politics
G7 leaders back deal to use Russia interest for Ukraine
G7 leaders have agreed in principle to issue $A75 billion of loans for Ukraine using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after Moscow's invasion.
UK Labour stakes election on wealth creation
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has delivered his manifesto for the upcoming general election promising to rebuild the country.
Home prices in three cities are outpacing their peers
Australia's housing market is made up of laggards and leaders in home price growth and the gap is expected to linger in the coming months.
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.
Emissions target on chopping board as climate wars rage
Australians are mobilising for a climate battle at the federal election with voters pouring money into a climate lobby group as politicians scrap targets.
Australia ‘gravely concerned’ at Israel-Gaza war crimes
An inquiry into the Israel-Hamas war that found both sides have committed war crimes has been branded "gravely concerning" by Australia.
France’s Macron asks rivals to unite against far right
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended his shock call for a snap election after the far right's strong showing in a recent European vote.
All eyes on LNP leader as election cards laid on table
Opposition leader David Crisafulli has made a pre-election pitch focusing on housing but has vowed to scrap a controversial energy project.
Sunak booed, ghost of Corbyn haunts Starmer in UK poll
Britain's prime minister has been challenged and his election rival taken to task in a televised event ahead of the UK election in July.
IFP says it will join ANC, DA South African unity govt
The leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party says it will join a proposed government of national unity in South Africa.
Weakness creeping into labour market as hiring slows
Australia's labour market is slowly softening but the Reserve Bank is unlikely to be bothered by the latest jobs numbers ahead of its next board meeting.
Macron suspends voting reforms in New Caledonia
Plans for voting reforms in New Caledonia which sparked unrest have been suspended, French President Emmanuel Macron says.
Farm waste may help power Australia’s biofuel future
Tax breaks and emission targets will be considered as part of a consultation into Australia's emerging biofuel industry that could power air and road travel.
‘Errors’ prompt swift parole board legislative changes
Legislative changes have been pushed through Queensland parliament after some people on the state parole board had not been properly appointed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.