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.
politics
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.
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.
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.
Hostile group pelt police as Palestine rally turns ugly
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators and police have clashed at a rally in Melbourne with officers using pepper spray after a group allegedly threw bottles and signs.
Costello quits as Nine boss after clash with journalist
Former federal treasurer Peter Costello has stepped down as chairman of media company Nine Entertainment days after allegedly colliding with a reporter.
King’s Birthday 2024 Military Honours List
Military honours as part of the King's Birthday include 26 Conspicuous Service Cross and 31 Conspicuous Service Medals.
King’s Birthday 2024 Meritorious Honours List
The King's Birthday Honours List includes 162 meritorious awards in the areas of emergency service, public sector, intelligence and corrections.
King’s Birthday 2024 Honours List
Almost 500 people are recognised in the general division of the King's Birthday Honours List, with the youngest aged 29 and the eldest 98.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.