economy
Dutton weighs in on RBA amid banana price rise warning
13 February
Inflation pressures could resurface if the Reserve Bank cuts rates prematurely, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has warned amid fears the north Queensland floods could push up grocery prices. The devastating floods, which have led to two deaths, have...[Read More]
Concern Australian jobs at risk over Trump’s tariffs
13 February
Industrial communities are holding their breath to see whether Australia can negotiate an exemption to US President Donald Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs. While Mr Trump signed off on 25 per cent tariffs without exception, confirmation he’s...[Read More]
States warned to tighten spending or pay more to borrow
12 February
Australian states have copped a blast for being too loose with spending, in a warning signalling taxpayers might soon be forking out more to cover the costs of burgeoning debt. S&P Global, one of the big three credit ratings agencies, warned states...[Read More]
Business conference revival an Aussie economic boon
12 February
From space science conventions to paediatric gastroenterology conferences, Australia has bagged $1 billion worth of international events. The lucrative business events sector took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and has struggled to get back on...[Read More]
Musk-like efficiency role ‘strange’ call for Australia
6 February
Australia has a red tape problem and even the boss of the corporate watchdog acknowledges it. But introducing an Elon Musk-style Minister for Deregulation is a “strange” way to go about it, Jim Chalmers says. The treasurer was responding to a...[Read More]
Future Fund smashes growth target, eyes new investments
6 February
Investments in toll roads and student housing added a hefty $26 billion to Australia’s sovereign wealth in 2024. The 12.2 per cent return on The Future Fund was well in excess of the 6.4 per cent mandated target and brings the 10-year return to...[Read More]
Interest rate cut hopes rise on soft inflation print
30 January
Interest rate relief could be around the corner after underlying inflation came in below expectations. Core inflation fell to 3.2 per cent in the year to December, opening the door for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut the cash rate at its next...[Read More]
Chalmers buoyant about 2025, ahead of inflation data
30 January
Mortgage holders can be more optimistic about the upcoming 12 months than in previous years, the treasurer says, ahead of crucial inflation data being released. While he declined to speculate on whether the Reserve Bank will cut interest rates at...[Read More]
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
23 January
Australia’s jobs market continues to show “remarkable” resilience with stronger than expected employment growth tempering hopes of a February rate cut. About 56,000 jobs were added to the economy in December, the Australian Bureau of...[Read More]
Tax changes ruled out as treasurer launches food fight
23 January
The treasurer has poured cold water on any new taxes, saying Labor is focused on targeted cost of living relief. Asked whether Labor would bring any new taxes to the upcoming federal election, Jim Chalmers said, “no, our focus is on the tax...[Read More]
Lifting unemployment benefit found to slow job hunting
23 January
Lifting unemployment benefits increases the average time job seekers spend out of work, research reveals, challenging assertions COVID-era support payments did not discourage people from looking for jobs. The $550-a-fortnight JobSeeker Coronavirus...[Read More]
Consumer spending plunge brightens hopes of rate cut
16 January
Australians pulled back sharply on purchasing household goods after bringing forward spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Consumer spending fell 1.8 per cent in December after a rise in November, with financially stretched households...[Read More]
Consumers feel finances slide but hold hope for future
16 January
Australians are feeling increasingly pessimistic about their household finances even as signs suggest the economy is set to improve. Consumer confidence slipped in the latest survey from Westpac and the Melbourne Institute, with sentiment declining...[Read More]
Twelve days’ reproductive health leave could save $26b
15 January
Australia’s economy is deprived of $26.6 billion annually due to lost productivity from untreated reproductive health conditions, a report reveals. The findings have fuelled calls for a national entitlement of 12 days of reproductive leave. The...[Read More]
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
15 January
Attention is poised to turn to the state of hiring and firing in Australia for signs the labour market is gradually unwinding as expected in a sluggish economy. Thursday’s labour force numbers for December from the Australian Bureau of Statistics...[Read More]