Business
Aussie retailers under pressure from e-commerce giants
10 June
Australians are paying more for online deliveries, and while faster and more convenient, the rise of global e-commerce giants could spell trouble for local retailers. With labour, fuel and maintenance costs continuing to rise, consumers are forking...[Read More]
Tax changes push biotech and health sectors offside
11 June
Some of Australia’s leading health and life sciences organisations are urging Treasurer Jim Chalmers to review the changes to research and development taxes proposed in his budget. Sector advocates say while they’re concerned over a number of Dr...[Read More]
Minimum wage tops $1000 a week, stoking inflation fears
4 June
Workers on the minimum wage will receive more than $1000 a week for the first time, but businesses and economists warn the pay bump could fuel inflation and more rate rises. Industrial umpire the Fair Work Commission handed a 4.75 per cent pay boost...[Read More]
AI risks deepening divide between investors and workers
4 June
The divide between people who earn income from investments and those who work for a living could be exacerbated by the artificial intelligence revolution, economists at Australia’s largest business lender warn. While the adoption of AI is expected...[Read More]
Retailers under attack from weak demand, rising costs
3 June
Australian businesses are under fire from both sides as conflict in the Middle East drives up prices and weakens demand. After first lighting a fire under fuel costs, the impacts of the US-Israeli-led war in the Middle East have begun flowing...[Read More]
Jobless jump, Iran war shoot down fears of rate rise
28 May
The likelihood of a rate hike in June has shrunk after a surprise jump in the unemployment rate showed the Iran war is having a material impact on Australia’s economy. While bad news for workers, the rise in the jobless rate from 4.3 per cent to...[Read More]
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
27 May
Softer auction rates are a sign tax changes in the federal budget are making things easier for first home buyers, the housing minister says, as Labor weathered another day of criticism from investors and entrepreneurs. Auction clearance rates held...[Read More]
Governments warned not to hold back AI, tech start-ups
27 May
Australia is well-positioned to take advantage of the global boom in artificial intelligence but governments and regulators need to get the policy settings right so they don’t stifle start-ups. That’s the message from two of the country’s...[Read More]
Temporary fuel tax cut likely to remain temporary
27 May
Australia’s temporary fuel excise cut, which has brought down petrol prices, is likely to remain just that, federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says. The three-month cut to the fuel excise started in April in response to soaring prices caused by...[Read More]
‘No whammy’: businesses hit back at budget tax overhaul
21 May
States and territories are being urged to slash stamp duty for small businesses and families to help them handle the fallout of a contentious overhaul of tax on investments. The federal government has flagged some GST relief for Australians affected...[Read More]
Business sector urges Canberra to tackle red-tape cuts
14 May
The federal government must crack on with harmonising regulations so that businesses like retailers, airports and farmers can avoid costly red tape, a major business lobby says. The Alliance of Industry Associations, representing 30 groups including...[Read More]
What’s known so far about the federal budget
7 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]
Understanding the NDIS: Who it supports and how it works
23 April
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s flagship program designed to support people living with permanent and significant disability. At its core, the NDIS provides funding to eligible individuals so they can access the...[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]
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]