Budget surplus ‘still our goal’ despite war, inflation

17 April

Australians have been warned the budget surplus could be tiny amid cost-of-living pressures and heightened global economic uncertainty with war in Europe and conflict in the Middle East. A month out from the federal budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers...[Read More]

Australians want more renewables faster: survey

17 April

Almost nine in 10 Australians want a faster or moderate transition to clean energy, the national science agency says. The CSIRO on Wednesday released a survey on attitudes nationwide towards the renewable energy transition. Touted by the agency as...[Read More]

Budget clouded by global wars and weak economic growth

17 April

Fog blanketing the Australian economy is unlikely to lift this year, with a weak growth outlook and volatile global conditions setting a complex scene for the federal budget. Australia’s economic growth is expected to rise 1.5 per cent in 2024 and...[Read More]

Jobs market muscle put to test with fresh data due

17 April

Whether or not strength in the labour market has staying power will be the key economic question under review this week. The release of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ March labour force data on Thursday will be watched carefully after a...[Read More]

Energy-saving steel, wastewater hydrogen win funding

17 April

Ambitious projects to create more renewable hydrogen and produce greener steel have been granted almost $60 million after the government agency in charge of the sector expanded its funding. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) revealed on...[Read More]

Coles, Woolworths bosses reveal stance on pricing

17 April

The heads of Coles and Woolworths have been subjected to a parliamentary grilling at a Senate inquiry on Tuesday examining supermarket prices. “It’s very hard to say that we have price gouging.” – Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci “We...[Read More]

Reasons why early estate planning is crucial

11 April

Estate planning is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of financial planning. For many Australians, it is seen as something to be dealt with later in life, if at all.   However, estate planning should begin as early as possible to ensure a...[Read More]

Business interruption insurance

11 April

A crucial though sometimes overlooked safeguard, business interruption insurance provides financial protection for companies facing unexpected disruptions.   But who exactly is it for? The short answer: any business that wants to ensure continuity...[Read More]

Caravan lifestyle in Australia

11 April

A rising number of Australians are searching for alternative life experiences that provide them with a sense of independence from city life and a connection to nature.   Caravan living can be for you if you’re looking for new experiences or wish...[Read More]

A guide to hiring your first employee

10 April

So your business is getting so busy that you need a helping hand? Great stuff. Here’s a guide to hiring your first employee. Congratulations – hiring your first employee is a mammoth step in the journey of any business. It’s also a risky...[Read More]

Hefty fines, tougher code could cut grocery prices: PM

10 April

Supermarkets could be slapped with millions in fines under a mandatory code of conduct in a move the prime minister believes will reduce prices at the checkout. An interim review of the voluntary Food and Grocery Code, which governs how supermarkets...[Read More]

Building costs ease as demand for construction slows

10 April

Builders and tradies have been battling fast-rising prices for materials and labour but data suggests price growth is slowing. The slowdown in new construction, with dwelling approvals trending below average, has helped dampen growth in costs,...[Read More]

Jobs bright spot for consumers as economy teeters

10 April

Consumers remain upbeat about their jobs prospects even as the weakening economy is prompting households to tighten belts. The latest round of consumer surveys from Westpac and Melbourne Institute recorded a deeper dive into pessimism in April...[Read More]

Public servants win push for extra reproductive leave

10 April

A new pay deal for Victoria’s public servants will be put to a final vote, with an extra five days of reproductive leave on the table for women. The four-year Victorian public service wage offer includes annual pay rises of three per cent in line...[Read More]

Tradie shortage for bid to build 1.2m homes

10 April

Australia is forecast to fall well short of a landmark national goal to build 1.2 million homes in five years. Building and construction industry forecasts released on Tuesday estimated about 1.09 million new homes would be started in five years...[Read More]