economy
Let’s do business: PM reform plea to corporate leaders
19 September
Big economic reform is still possible if the government and businesses can put aside differences, the prime minister says, following criticism from a major lobby group. The government remained committed to the corporate sector, especially as there...[Read More]
A tougher jobs market is becoming top concern playing on consumer minds
12 September
Fears of a tougher jobs market is starting to muscle out cost-of-living pain as the top concern playing on consumer minds. Less chatter about interest rate hikes, tax cuts and power bill rebates from state and federal governments has boosted...[Read More]
Plum market as trade deal reached with Vietnam
11 September
Horticulture producers say Vietnam is a plum market for their produce, as the Albanese government confirmed the reopening of the Southeast Asian market. After two years of negotiations between the Australian and Vietnamese governments, market access...[Read More]
PM lays down budget challenge on coalition cuts
29 August
The prime minister has challenged the opposition to detail planned budget cuts should the coalition win government, after it said it could make “significant” reductions in spending. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor flagged that the coalition has...[Read More]
Cost-of-living relief to show up in inflation readout
29 August
Energy rebates handed out to all households are expected to influence monthly inflation figures due for release this week. Wednesday’s consumer price index from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is tipped to show a sharp decline in headline...[Read More]
Long COVID cost economy $9.6b in lost work hours
22 August
More than one million Australians who contracted long COVID at the height of the pandemic cost the national economy almost $10 billion in lost productivity. Academics from the Australian National University (ANU), University of NSW (UNSW) and...[Read More]
Wages growth past peak and easing incrementally
15 August
Workers in the private sector are still clocking robust pay growth but the pace has been gradually slowing over the past year, reflecting a softening jobs market. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show average private sector wages...[Read More]
Rising cost of living hammers renters and mortgage belt
8 August
All households are feeling the pinch from rising living costs yet those renting or paying off a mortgage are experiencing the biggest hits to their purchasing power. Following the Reserve Bank’s decision to keep interest rates on hold and stamp...[Read More]
Inflation accelerates yet unlikely to spur rate hike
1 August
Australian borrowers can breathe a sigh of relief as highly-anticipated inflation numbers land soft enough to dissolve fears of another interest rate hike The annual rate of headline inflation did accelerate, however, rising to 3.8 per cent, up from...[Read More]
The surprise state topping Australia’s economic ladder
1 August
South Australia has again been recognised as an economic powerhouse for its robust jobs market and strong building activity, prompting a jubilant reaction from Premier Peter Malinauskas, who said his state was leading the nation’s economy. SA...[Read More]
Signs of slow build back with home approvals sluggish
1 August
A sharp fall in approvals for apartments and townhouses has dragged total building approval numbers lower, interrupting four months of gains. Higher interest rates and pricey materials, labour and other costs have been weighing on home building,...[Read More]
Hints on state of economy as cost relief kicks in
25 July
Experts will scour the first trickle of financial data for early clues on the state of Australia’s economy since tax relief kicked in. The purchasing managers’ indexes for the manufacturing and services sectors land this week, as pay packets...[Read More]
Energy suppliers use cold snap to fire up power prices
24 July
Power producers chasing profits during a cold snap have stoked wholesale electricity price rises in recent months, according to the latest data. Wholesale electricity prices have increased across all regions except Queensland as more expensive gas...[Read More]
Online shopping spree despite cost-of-living crisis
18 July
Online retail therapy is still booming despite the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on Australian wallets. Even with inflation leading to more expensive groceries, interest rates remaining high and wages staying relatively stagnant,...[Read More]
Signs point to slow start for economy in new year
18 July
Australian consumers and business face the prospect of a sluggish economy through early 2025, according to leading indicators. An index of future-focused data points compiled by Westpac and Melbourne Institute “marginally improved” in June while...[Read More]