economy
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]
Canberra condemns Russia getting North Korean missiles
10 January
Australia has condemned Russia for receiving ballistic missiles from North Korea as well as their use against Ukraine. “The transfer of these weapons increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, supports Russia’s war of aggression and...[Read More]
China eases trade beef but abattoirs chase bigger stake
13 December
China has lifted suspensions from three Australian abattoirs in a further easing of punitive trade sanctions. China’s customs agency has removed bans on Teys Australia in Naracoorte, South Australia, Australian Lamb Company in Colac, Victoria, and...[Read More]
Heated inflation figures put rate hike firmly in play
25 October
The latest inflation data has come in hotter than expected and may stir the Reserve Bank into a Melbourne Cup Day rate hike. Consumer prices as tracked by the Australian Bureau of Statistics rose 1.2 per cent over the three months to September, up...[Read More]
Australia welcomes China shipments after barley barney
30 August
Australian barley growers have sent the first shipments of grain to China since punitive tariffs were dropped, as the trade minister flags further trade barriers coming down soon. CBH chair Simon Stead said barley prices had already gone up $50-60 a...[Read More]
Lid on exports leaves nation with huge wine hangover
16 August
Australia’s glut of wine will continue for some years with more than 2.8 billion bottles in storage, a report has found. Even in a best-case scenario, with the removal of Chinese tariffs and a recovery in sales to the region, it would take at...[Read More]
Albanese lays down EU trade deal bottom line
12 July
Australia will only sign a trade deal with the European Union when the agreement includes better market access for agricultural products. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese laid down his bottom line for the ambitious multi-nation trade agreement...[Read More]
Australia to ease visa rules to boost Indonesian ties
5 July
Australia will make business travel for Indonesians easier under a deal to be struck between Anthony Albanese and President Joko Widodo. Mr Widodo was formally welcomed in Sydney on Tuesday on what will likely be his final official visit to...[Read More]