‘Downside risks’: warning as state debt edges to $200b
A $200 billion state budget debt bomb remains live and ticking as a long-time Labor government favours cost-of-living measures for struggling families.
state budget and tax
More cops, jail guards as territory budget fights crime
The NT budget offers no "lollies and sweets" but it cements the government's tough-on-crime approach, its architects say.
auto trends
inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
national government
politics
road transport
state budget and tax
Treasurer warned on household handouts ahead of budget
Millions of Australians could receive an income offset in the budget, but the Reserve Bank is cautioning against the federal government increasing spending.
Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze
The government is being urged to cut the alcohol excise before the horse has bolted and another black market like illicit tobacco becomes entrenched.
Aussie manufacturing boost in $1.2b fleet upgrade
Australia is selling one of its most prized military vehicles to the Netherlands as the government also moves to shore up its own defence force.
Rego rebate to ease pain at the pump for motorists
Motorists in one state will receive a one-off rebate on car registration to ease cost-of-living pressure as fuel prices soar across the country.
energy and resource
energy resources
international (foreign) trade
natural gas
oil and gas - downstream activities
oil and gas - upstream activities
politics
state budget and tax
‘Peddling lies’: gas sector vents as tax pressure rises
The minister responsible for gas in Australia has poured cold water on calls for an export tax as industry figures insist they pay their fair share.
Battle lines harden as gas giants take on tax proposal
Gas producers have mounted a full-throated defence of their tax contributions in an inquiry exploring opportunities for higher export levies.
‘Tiny’ tax returns on gas has leading economist fuming
Australians have finite stocks of gas and other natural resources and deserve a fair return on them, an inquiry has been told as calls grow for tax reform.
Resources minister defends gas companies amid tax push
The gas lobby says a new levy on LNG exports will make Australia "uninvestable", arguing comparisons to countries like Norway don't stack up.
There’s a problem with making public transport free
Cutting public transport fares is great for people who already catch it but doesn't do much to help those for whom it is too inaccessible or infrequent.
Embattled motorists win bowser relief as taxes slashed
The government has moved to cut taxes on petrol and diesel, as the Middle East war sends global oil prices through the roof.
Aussie drivers divided over petrol vs electric future
Many Australian motorists plan to park an electric or hybrid vehicle in their garage in future but one policy change could alter their path.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
‘Florid ramblings’: minister takes aim at CFMEU report
A minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the work of a top barrister probing CFMEU corruption as pressure builds on his party's leader.
‘Right the ship’: polluters tax could be vote spinner
An ex-Labor strategist turned pollster says there are votes in taxing Australia's biggest polluters through reframing the debate and evolving demographics.
Global minimum tax deal update backed by 145 countries
A 15 per cent global minimum tax framework has been kept as countries approved an update that allows carve-outs for some US companies.
Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young
Bridging the gap in wealth between older and young Australians will require a major recalibration in housing attitudes and policies, a leading economist says.
Budget blowout ‘modest’ for Australia’s Olympic hosts
The mid-year budget report card has revealed a "modest" budget blowout as one state continues counting down to the 2032 Olympic Games.
‘Christmas grinch’: public service cuts as wages soar
Top dogs have not escaped the wrath of more than 1000 public service job cuts, with a state desperate to rein in wages and debt.
Extent of illegal cigarette sales in Australia revealed
Australia's illicit tobacco black market is in rude health, with estimates for the market share of illegally sold cigarettes ranging from 25 to 65 per cent.
business (general)
economy, business and finance
politics
regulatory policy and organisation
state budget and tax
Consumers feeling merry in time for a Christmas splurge
Australian consumers are the most optimistic they've been since early 2022 despite fading prospects of more interest rate cuts.
Tobacco tax cut ‘no fix’ to $4b smugglers’ paradise
Public health experts are urging authorities not to get the jitters on tobacco taxes as the economic cost of Australia's black market trade explodes.
Ex-senator takes scalpel to spending in debut budget
The public service will be "right-sized" and discretionary government spending tightened in a state budget weighed down by growing debt.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.
NZ Labour apes Albo’s Labor with ‘Medicard’ policy
Australia's Medicare card would have a Kiwi equivalent if NZ Labour wins office, after a major policy play by Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins.
Accountants, ombudsman lash tax office service
The ATO has declined a Tax Ombudsman suggestion to re-route calls from accountants to experienced staff as pressures mount between tax agents and the agency.
France’s Macron will appoint new PM ‘in next 48 hours’
'The president of the republic will appoint a prime minister within the next 48 hours," French caretaker prime minister Sebastien Lecornu says.
budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
executive (government)
government
government debt
politics
public employees
state budget and tax
Trump uses government shutdown to dole out revenge
President Donald Trump is mulling "temporary or permanent" spending cuts that could set up a lose-lose dynamic for Democratic politicians.
Funds freezed for Democratic states in US shutdown slap
Moves make clear President Donald Trump would carry out his threat to take advantage of a government shutdown to punish political opponents and extend control.
Government shutdown begins as division rules Washington
Deep partisan division has prevented Congress and the White House from reaching a deal to avoid a US government shutdown, risking a long and gruelling standoff.