economy
Treasurer hoses down talk of big budget handouts
6 May
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has downplayed the Reserve Bank governor’s warnings about public spending adding to inflation, insisting large stimulus packages won’t be a feature of the federal budget. After lifting interest rates for the third...[Read More]
What’s known so far about the federal budget
6 May
Jim Chalmers is putting the finishing touches on his fifth federal budget, with some of the measures starting to be revealed. WHAT’S ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE BUDGET * The government has already flagged large cuts to the NDIS, with savings of $15...[Read More]
Inflation, growth, rates all hinge on end to conflict
6 May
The crisis in the Middle East fanned the flames of already buoyant inflation in Australia and could lead to more interest rate pain if it isn’t resolved, the central bank has warned. The Reserve Bank of Australia released fresh quarterly economic...[Read More]
Consumers hang tough despite echoes of COVID headwinds
6 May
Australian consumers are showing resilience in the face of rising interest rates, fuel prices and other costs, according to credit agency data. Despite the headwinds, strong momentum in consumer activity in the first quarter of 2026 had provided a...[Read More]
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
6 May
Diesel prices could surge above $4 a litre in coming months under a scenario modelled by economists at National Australia Bank, potentially spelling a much more severe economic fallout than forecast by the Reserve Bank. Fears of service stations...[Read More]
PM rubbishes budget tax speculation as home prices slow
6 May
Tax changes in the upcoming budget are designed to help young people own a home, the prime minister says, as a downturn in Australia’s largest property markets gathers steam. Asked about reported changes to negative gearing and the capital gains...[Read More]
Worse to come as oil crisis adds fuel to rate-pain fire
29 April
Australia’s headline inflation rate has climbed to a two-and-a-half year high due to the Iran war but Treasurer Jim Chalmers warns the worst is yet to come. The jump in the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ annual consumer price index, to 4.6 per...[Read More]
Inflation levels surge following war in Middle East
29 April
The impact from the Iran war has led to a surge in inflation, in the first major piece of economic data since the conflict began: * Headline inflation rose from 3.7 per cent to 4.6 per cent in the year to March * It’s the highest headline...[Read More]
More fuel on the way to bolster Australian reserves
29 April
An extra 500 million litres of fuel will enter the country’s reserves in coming weeks, as dozens of cargo ships are en route to Australia. Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Sunday confirmed 4.6 billion litres will enter the country in the coming four...[Read More]
Aussie travellers on the go as Asian airport hubs shine
29 April
Airlines in Australia and around the world have trimmed flight numbers and increased airfares on the back of the Middle East crisis, but that hasn’t stopped Aussies from heading overseas. The nation’s biggest airport has revealed the March...[Read More]
Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
22 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]
‘Pretty severe’: warnings for Australia ahead of budget
22 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]
Fuel pump prices to ease amid shipping breakthrough
22 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]
Job market yet to feel impact of Iran war, rate hikes
22 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]
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]