Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
23 April
Australia could be heading back to the runaway inflation of the 1970s and 1980s if people lose faith in the Reserve Bank, a top central bank official says. Speaking at a panel of economists during the International Monetary Fund spring meetings in...[Read More]
‘Gold-plated’ building code worsening housing crisis
22 April
Australia’s housing supply shortage is being exacerbated by requirements for young home buyers to install unnecessary features such as bathroom rails in new properties, builders warn. Onerous accessibility and energy efficiency standards, overly...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – “Never waste a crisis” – The top five things needed in the coming Budget
23 April
Key points The upcoming Budget is an ideal opportunity to reframe government policy to put the economy onto a stronger path. The latest global crisis adds to the case for this. The five key things the Budget needs to do are: limit any...[Read More]
Job market yet to feel impact of Iran war, rate hikes
23 April
The Iran war has yet to hit Australia’s robust labour market, but a double-blow to unemployment from higher oil prices and the Reserve Bank is on its way. The jobless rate held steady at 4.3 per cent in March, despite the Middle East conflict...[Read More]
Fuel pump prices to ease amid shipping breakthrough
23 April
Motorists are cashing in on falling petrol prices following a ceasefire in Iran but relief may be short-lived, with the scenario expected to remain volatile for months. Prices at the bowser have dipped below $2.10 a litre and under $3 for diesel for...[Read More]
After the sun sets: hub to tackle coming e-waste crisis
22 April
A national research hub will seek engineers, scientists and policymakers to tackle one of Australia’s biggest renewable energy challenges: what to do with solar panels at the end of their lives. UNSW Sydney announced the opening of Australia’s...[Read More]
Heat-safe rentals pushed to protect from quiet killer
22 April
Heat-safe rentals and tougher workplace safety rules for outdoor workers on scorching hot days have been proposed by a state climate policy advisory body. Identifying extreme heat as an under-recognised and preventable killer, the NSW Net Zero...[Read More]
Australians love their cash and will carry or hoard it
23 April
If you are one of those people who still carry a bunch of $10 or $20 notes around in your pocket in case of emergencies, you’re not alone. While a majority of payments made in Australia are done by electronic means, including cards, about half of...[Read More]
Still hitting the road: Smart ways to caravan through rising fuel costs
23 April
Fuel prices are dominating headlines across Australia, and for many caravanners, they’ve become the single biggest factor shaping how—and whether—we travel. What was once a relatively affordable way to explore the country is now forcing...[Read More]
Record defence spend to counter ‘more dangerous world’
22 April
Australia will drastically increase spending on missile defences, drones and AUKUS nuclear submarines in a significant change to the nation’s defence posture to meet a “more dangerous and uncertain world”. Defence Minister Richard Marles laid...[Read More]
Financial security: key strategies to safeguard your financial future
23 April
Financial stability doesn’t usually come by chance; it requires preparation and strategy. Most of us depend on a steady paycheck, but few consider what would happen if it disappeared suddenly. Protecting yourself against financial disaster means...[Read More]
‘Tiny’ tax returns on gas has leading economist fuming
23 April
Australians deserve a fairer return on gas extracted from the ground than the embarrassing sums raised through existing resource tax settings, a leading economist argues. Former Treasury secretary and author of a prominent tax review, Ken Henry,...[Read More]
Showers free in aged care reform as health rebate cut
22 April
Private health insurance rebates will be slashed for older Australians to fund essential home care services such as showering and dressing support. The federal government has backed down on a requirement that people receiving aged care support pay...[Read More]
‘Pretty severe’: warnings for Australia ahead of budget
23 April
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is en route to the US for crucial talks as the IMF delivered a dire forecast for Australia’s inflation rate and warned of a global recession. Dr Chalmers will discuss the economic maelstrom with international counterparts at...[Read More]
Aussies want electric cars to save cash, not the planet
23 April
More Australians will switch to an electric car if petrol prices continue to rise, a study has found, with two in five naming electric and plug-in hybrid electric models as their preferred vehicle choices. The trend has emerged as more motorists...[Read More]