Business

Red tape strangling efforts to tackle housing crisis

30 July

Allowing three-storey townhouses to be built on most residential land is one of the key recommendations of a major report outlining what Australia needs to do to fix its housing crisis. Governments have gotten in the way of new housing supply by...[Read More]

‘Build resilience’: refinery touted but discount to end

29 July

Australia’s fuel security could soon be bolstered by a new refinery, but questions have been raised about the business case for the facility. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to look into building Australia’s third oil refinery in...[Read More]

Workers ‘forced’ to accept AI systems or leave jobs

23 July

Australians are at risk of losing jobs or being trapped in unethical situations as artificial intelligence use soars, despite the hopes of the federal government, an expert has warned. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used a speech in mid-July to...[Read More]

Jobs data tops economic agenda as Iran war re-escalates

23 July

Jobs data is expected to show ongoing resilience in Australia’s labour market but renewed conflict in the Middle East could bring more bad news for the domestic economy. The unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.4 per cent in June...[Read More]

Cyber awareness in everyday life: Five ways to avoid being scammed

16 July

Our everyday lives are increasingly managed online. We receive bills by email, banking alerts by text, delivery updates and payment requests through apps and websites. These services are convenient, but they also give scammers more opportunities to...[Read More]

The top 10 things small business owners often forget when getting started

16 July

Starting a small business is exciting. You may have a great idea, industry experience and the motivation to build something of your own. However, enthusiasm alone does not create a sustainable business. Many new business owners focus heavily on...[Read More]

Location set for Australia’s first gas-free steel mill

8 July

Australia’s first new steel mill in three decades will be unlike any before it. Run entirely on electricity, the Greensteel Australia factory to be built in the NSW Hunter region will make steel that’s low emissions and unencumbered by fossil...[Read More]

Strong jobs figures clock on for future rate rise shift

2 July

Stronger-than-expected jobs and spending data has bolstered the case for more rate hikes, but events overseas could stay the Reserve Bank’s hand. An extra 40,300 jobs were added to the economy in May, driving down the unemployment rate to 4.4 per...[Read More]

Labor identifies businesses to be exempt from new tax

25 June

A budget backlash has prompted Labor to announce new carve-outs for innovative firms from the capital gains tax, as well as a backdown on a minimum tax on testamentary trusts. WHAT DID LABOR ANNOUNCE IN THE BUDGET? * The existing 50 per cent...[Read More]

‘Bad to worse’: productivity sinks to post-pandemic low

18 June

Australians are working longer hours but it’s not showing up on the productivity scoreboard as levels tumble to a post-pandemic low. The Productivity Commission’s quarterly bulletin reinforces the scale of the challenge confronting Treasurer Jim...[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]

Businesses MIA on rooftop solar and battery revolution

11 June

Australian households are generating nearly four times as much solar energy as retailers, manufacturers and other non-residential buildings, with most commercial rooftops panel-free. Harvesting the vast, untapped generating and storage potential in...[Read More]

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]

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