economy
PM lays down budget challenge on coalition cuts
28 August
The prime minister has challenged the opposition to detail planned budget cuts should the coalition win government, after it said it could make “significant” reductions in spending. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor flagged that the coalition has...[Read More]
Cost-of-living relief to show up in inflation readout
28 August
Energy rebates handed out to all households are expected to influence monthly inflation figures due for release this week. Wednesday’s consumer price index from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is tipped to show a sharp decline in headline...[Read More]
Pacific seasonal workers to receive family support
28 August
The Australian government will spend $8 million assisting Pacific workers and their families managing separation through the PALM scheme. Around 35,000 workers are recruited by Australia from the Pacific and East Timor through the Pacific Australia...[Read More]
International student enrolments capped at 270,000
28 August
The number of international students coming into Australia could be capped at 270,000 in 2025, as the government attempts to reduce migration levels. This will cover 145,000 enrolments at public universities, 95,000 foreign student commencements in...[Read More]
Long COVID cost economy $9.6b in lost work hours
21 August
More than one million Australians who contracted long COVID at the height of the pandemic cost the national economy almost $10 billion in lost productivity. Academics from the Australian National University (ANU), University of NSW (UNSW) and...[Read More]
Australia, Qatar talk Gaza ceasefire during PM’s visit
21 August
Australia’s foreign minister and Qatar’s prime minister have discussed a ceasefire proposal to end hostilities in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis worsens. Penny Wong hosted Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at Parliament House on...[Read More]
Avian flu key focus of new biosecurity hub
21 August
The containment of future avian flu outbreaks will be a priority of a new $30 million biosecurity hub aimed at safeguarding Australian food and farms. The new hub was officially launched on Tuesday in Canberra. The Charles Sturt University backed...[Read More]
Wages growth past peak and easing incrementally
14 August
Workers in the private sector are still clocking robust pay growth but the pace has been gradually slowing over the past year, reflecting a softening jobs market. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show average private sector wages...[Read More]
Australia tails only Russia for carbon exports: report
14 August
Australia is the second-largest producer of carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil fuel exports, tailing only Russia, research shows. Total life-cycle carbon emissions – which gauge the emissions from a product’s creation, use and disposal –...[Read More]
Rising cost of living hammers renters and mortgage belt
7 August
All households are feeling the pinch from rising living costs yet those renting or paying off a mortgage are experiencing the biggest hits to their purchasing power. Following the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold and stamp...[Read More]
Australia-US satellite, travel plans cleared to land
7 August
Australian travellers will soon find it easier to enter the United States, as part of a federal government plan to strengthen ties between the two nations. The Australian government on Tuesday announced it will join the United States’ Global Entry...[Read More]
Inflation accelerates yet unlikely to spur rate hike
31 July
Australian borrowers can breathe a sigh of relief as highly-anticipated inflation numbers land soft enough to dissolve fears of another interest rate hike The annual rate of headline inflation did accelerate, however, rising to 3.8 per cent, up from...[Read More]
The surprise state topping Australia’s economic ladder
31 July
South Australia has again been recognised as an economic powerhouse for its robust jobs market and strong building activity, prompting a jubilant reaction from Premier Peter Malinauskas, who said his state was leading the nation’s economy. SA...[Read More]
New exports needed to fill $50 billion coal hole
31 July
New exports are needed to fill a $50 billion hole the loss of coal earnings will leave in the NSW budget as the world transitions to renewable energy, business leaders have been told. Coal exports prop up the yearly earnings of Australia’s most...[Read More]
Signs of slow build back with home approvals sluggish
31 July
A sharp fall in approvals for apartments and townhouses has dragged total building approval numbers lower, interrupting four months of gains. Higher interest rates and pricey materials, labour and other costs have been weighing on home building,...[Read More]