Australia’s healthcare system delivers value for money

24 April

Australia’s healthcare system delivers “some of the best value for money of any in the world”, a federal government research body says. The Productivity Commission’s conclusion is based on its assessment of how much it costs to treat a...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update19/4/2024

24 April

Global and Australian shares fell again over the last week on the back of concerns about an escalation of the war in the Middle East (as Iran attacked Israel and then Israel retaliated), US Fed officials added to expectations for a delay in rate...[Read More]

More Aussies to buy an electric cars but price a factor

24 April

The price of electric vehicles is still proving a speed bump in Australia, a report has found, and government rebates may not be addressing the issue. But the research by Pureprofile, released on Wednesday, also found a greater number of Australians...[Read More]

Industrial sites set for emissions reduction grants

24 April

Industrial sites across five states will be given a multi-million dollar funding boost for projects to transition to cleaner energy. Nine facilities – including alumina and cement refineries, iron ore mines and cobalt and nickel sites – will...[Read More]

Tests for skilled migrants set for overhaul

24 April

Testing for prospective migrants to Australia to obtain visas is set to undergo its first overhaul in more than a decade as part of a revamp of the country’s immigration system. The federal government has flagged it is looking to reform the points...[Read More]

Sweat-powered fitness trackers possible in two years

24 April

Sweat-powered fitness devices could rate your pulse, temperature and other vital signs in future, just as long as you work out hard enough. Researchers at Deakin University, in partnership with Monash and the University of NSW, released a study into...[Read More]

Trew glory as Aussie teen skates to global sports award

24 April

Arisa Trew, a 14-year-old skateboarding sensation with her eyes set on the Olympics, has become the sole Australian to be honoured at world sport’s biggest awards gala. While Novak Djokovic and Aitana Bonmati were being saluted as world sportsman...[Read More]

Housing crisis to ‘get worse before it gets better’

24 April

Australia’s housing crisis is expected to get worse before it gets better and the federal government is facing growing pressure to do more to fix it in the May budget. Deloitte Access Economics partner Stephen Smith said the nation had not been...[Read More]

‘Dream big’: first Aussie astronaut hopes to inspire

24 April

Katherine Bennell-Pegg grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches with her feet in the ocean and her head in the stars. Her childhood dream was to become an astronaut. Now the engineer and mum of two has made that dream a reality, becoming the first...[Read More]

New snail species named after wildlife warrior

24 April

Scientists have used DNA testing to discover four species of snail, with one named after wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. Robert Irwin’s banded snail, with the scientific name figuladra robertirwini, is one of four newly discovered...[Read More]

ASIO boss, AFP commissioner issue social media warning

24 April

Australia’s spy boss and the head of the federal police have urged technology and social media companies to step up their game to keep users safe online. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess and AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw will use a joint...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights – Israel/Iran fears and rate cut uncertainty – shares are vulnerable to a bout of volatility but here’s five reasons why the trend will likely remain up

17 April

Key points – After strong gains, shares are vulnerable to a pull back or more volatile/constrained returns than seen so far this year. – The key threats at present are Iran’s attack on Israel which risks escalating the war in the Middle East,...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 12/04/24

17 April

Shares had another rough ride over the last week as higher than expected US inflation saw expectations for Fed rate cuts pushed out further, and reports of imminent strikes by Iran on Israel in retaliation for an attack in Syria pushed US shares...[Read More]

Australia to dodge United States’ inflation uptick

17 April

Australia is yet to declare victory against inflation and hotter-than-expected price data out of the world’s biggest economy and fresh volatility in oil markets are casting shadows over the outlook. AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina says...[Read More]

Build-to-rent piece of housing puzzle but no quick fix

17 April

It’s been a tough couple of years to be a renter. As competition for properties has intensified and rents have surged, policymakers have been searching for solutions. While not an answer to the immediate price crunch, the build-to-rent housing...[Read More]