Safety over politics: motoring groups call for change
Australia's peak motoring body will encourage its 9.5 million members to challenge federal election candidates on road safety, amid calls for more transparency.
regulatory policy and organisation
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
Major super fund sued over tardy death benefit payouts
AustralianSuper is the latest major super fund to face legal action for allegedly failing to pay out benefits to families of dead members in a timely manner.
Brother of Olympian ‘Raygun’ in court over scam charge
The financial regulator has accused Brendan Gunn, brother of Olympic breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, of allegedly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
‘No-brainer’ home ownership boost for HECS debt Aussies
Australians saddled with student debt who want to enter the housing market will be given a helping hand, under changes to lending requirements.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
The ‘existential’ threat facing the corporate watchdog
Corporations and regulators are struggling to adapt to modern business conditions and regular Australians are suffering as a result, says ASIC boss Joe Longo.
Aussie TikTok users brace as clock ticks down to US ban
An exodus to other Chinese apps, a jump in prominence but a dive in content: speculation is raging over what a US TikTok ban will mean for its Aussie users.
Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Rex directors face grounding for silence over $35m hole
Four Rex directors failed to disclose the troubled airline's financial position after expressing optimism for future profits, the corporate regulator alleges.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Workers are using AI but worry it makes them look lazy
More Australian white collar workers are using artificial intelligence tools to do their jobs but research shows many feel guilty about telling the boss.
Australia needs an AI law to stop copyright ‘pirates’
Artificial intelligence tools, including chatbots from Google, Amazon and OpenAI, need to be regulated by law in Australia, an inquiry recommends.
Australia urged to follow Middle East on nuclear power
Australia could have nuclear power reactors operating within 12 years, an inquiry has heard, if the nation follows the Middle East rather than Europe.
Consumer group sees red over ‘greenwashing’ claims
Appliances should receive a repair rating to help consumers navigate vague claims and invest in genuinely sustainable products, a consumer group says.
‘Incredible attrition’: dire warning for small business
Small business owners are suffering from higher levels of depression and anxiety as high costs and regulatory roadblocks spark warnings of a mass exodus.
Why your words and photos might already be training AI
More tech companies are introducing AI features to their services, and authors and experts warn it can be hard – if not impossible – to opt out.
Electric cars may save power grid, if drivers let them
Motorists could decide the future of Australia's energy networks by when they choose to buy an electric car and how they recharge it.
Developer malaise means Woolies is behind more malls
Woolworths has cast itself as being in competition with cake shops and newsagents, while also showing the might of its construction arm.
Govt agencies urged to consider the cost of AI failures
The cost of repaying those harmed by AI decisions should be considered before government departments deploy the technology, an inquiry has heard.
Women written into code: standards target tech workers
Australian technology firms will be urged to test their practices against 10 standards as part of a campaign to encourage more diversity in the field.
Get off the internet: more dates, chats to go offline
It is not just governments considering social media bans: a study shows more Australians plan to disconnect and spend less time online.
Nuclear waste could add billions to energy supply costs
The time needed to build nuclear reactors and the cost of safely storing radioactive waste remain big questions for Australia, an inquiry has been told.
No nukes till late 2030s: energy switch may take years
Establishing nuclear power plants in Australia may take more than a decade, an inquiry has heard, and dealing with radioactive waste might be longer.
Adults only: online codes to limit porn, gaming access
Australian internet users will have their age tested before they can access some gaming and pornographic websites under wide-ranging online safety proposals.
Deepfake images harming Aussie kids and businesses
Australia is being warned to bring in urgent laws and education to tackle AI-generated deepfake images that put companies and children at risk.
Chips down, shares up as Star fined, suspension remains
The NSW Independent Casino Commission has hit The Star with a $15 million fine after a second probe revealed a series of breaches at its Sydney operation.
Coles and Woolworths head down, down to federal court
The consumer watchdog is taking Coles and Woolworths to court amid allegations the retailers allegedly artificially increased prices on hundreds of goods.
Troubled casino operator seeks tax relief to stay open
Troubled casino operator Star Entertainment is seeking tax relief from the Queensland government as it battles to keep a $3.6 billion project open in Brisbane.
‘Pure insanity’: tobacco tax hike fuelling black market
Increases to federal tobacco tax duties are fuelling Victoria's rampant black market and states and territories should get a cut to police it, an inquiry says.