economy
Inflation holds steady but services prove stubborn
27 March
The final stretch to bring inflation back to target is proving challenging, based on fresh data, though that is broadly what the Reserve Bank expected. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ monthly inflation indicator held steady at 3.4 per cent...[Read More]
Car prices won’t spike under new efficiency standards
27 March
Car prices won’t go up under Labor’s new fuel efficiency standards, Energy Minister Chris Bowen says. Transport Minister Catherine King and Mr Bowen unveiled the government’s final plans for new vehicle rules on Tuesday, which will be...[Read More]
‘Please don’t forget us’: Ukrainians plead for more aid
27 March
“Please, please don’t forget us.” Those are the pleas of a Ukrainian child experiencing a war with no end in sight. It’s been more than two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on Ukraine, where civilians are suffering from...[Read More]
China talks could put Aussie wine and beef on the menu
20 March
Australian producers are hopeful a visit from the Chinese foreign minister could see an end to punitive trade barriers. Despite China easing trade sanctions against Australia, several tariffs and impediments remain, primarily targeting wine, lobster...[Read More]
Swifties boost spending
13 March
The Australian economy got a leg up from Taylor Swift concerts but the much-anticipated visit was not enough to counter penny pinching elsewhere. Spending as tracked by Commonwealth Bank has been generally subdued and fell 0.3 per cent over the...[Read More]
China moves to dump tariffs on $1b wine exports
13 March
China has recommended dropping tariffs on Australian wine exports worth $1bn in an interim decision. Beijing is reviewing the sanctions through a five-month process after the Albanese government agreed to suspend Australia’s dispute lodged with...[Read More]
Millions of welfare recipients to get boost in payments
6 March
Australians on social security are set to receive more money in their pockets when payments are indexed. Those on the age pension, disability support pension and carer payment will pocket an extra $19.60 for singles and $29.40 for couples combined...[Read More]
Consumer price index steady at 3.4 per cent in January
28 February
Australia’s consumer price index held steady at 3.4 per cent in the 12 months to January, coming in below expectations. The index had been widely expected to rise by 3.6 per cent on an annual basis, when the data was released by the Australian...[Read More]
Aussie funding helps Pacific athletes attend Olympics
14 February
Australian taxpayers will help fund Pacific nations get to the looming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. Sports in 13 Pacific nations will receive $1.47 million funding from the federal government in partnership with the Australian Olympic...[Read More]
Australia’s clean exports could slash global emissions
14 February
Australia could cut anywhere between six and nine per cent of global emissions by doubling down on green export industries all while powering another round of prosperity to rival the mining boom. That’s the message leading economist Ross Garnaut...[Read More]
Jetsetters and shoppers spend big as confidence returns
17 January
Australians have begun opening their wallets, with consumer confidence making a comeback amid positive economic signs. Consumers spent an average of nearly $200 more during the 2023 Black Friday and holiday season compared to the year before,...[Read More]
Hi-tech guns for frigates to give navy edge at sea
10 January
Australia will spend $380 million on naval artillery guns and fully automatic ammunition systems for its Hunter class frigates. BAE Systems has been contracted to deliver the weaponry which is due to be completed by 2036. The automated gun system...[Read More]