Economy
RBA keeps rates on hold but leaves door open to hikes
17 June
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has not ruled out hiking interest rates again if inflation keeps rising, after the bank left rates on hold for the first time in 2026. Following three consecutive rate rises, the central bank’s monetary policy...[Read More]
Better but ‘not perfect’ tax reform wins expert support
17 June
Parliamentarians are being urged to pass laws limiting tax breaks for property investors and not “let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. Looming tax reforms would help make the tax system more equitable, independent economist Saul Eslake...[Read More]
Fresh warnings migration cuts could make housing worse
17 June
Migration opponents are being warned big cuts to Australia’s intake numbers would cause havoc for the economy and impact housing targets. Immigration and housing numbers were out of balance with each other but dramatic cuts were not the solution,...[Read More]
Get back on the tools and fix housing, government urged
17 June
The Commonwealth must return to its historical role as a home builder rather than a protector of huge profits made by banks and developers. It’s advice that’s been overlooked but a warning that cannot continue to go unheeded, senators have been...[Read More]
Nation-first stamp duty cut gains federal endorsement
17 June
State governments have been encouraged to follow the lead of the ACT and abolish stamp duty, but it’s unlikely to happen without Commonwealth support. ACT Treasurer Chris Steel announced all first home buyers would be exempt from paying stamp duty...[Read More]
Fight and flight: tax inquiry fuming just a smokescreen
17 June
Concerns controversial tax changes are being rushed have been hosed down as experts dismiss claims businesses will flee overseas due to the measures. Under changes proposed by the federal government, the capital gains tax discount of 50 per cent...[Read More]
‘Bad to worse’: productivity sinks to post-pandemic low
17 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]
‘Reform is always hard’: PM coy on tax carve outs
10 June
Startups may be able to claim greater tax concessions than initially announced in the federal budget as the government grapples with blowback to its economic reforms. Treasurer Jim Chalmers is in talks with businesses about allowing startups to keep...[Read More]
Officials bank on economic slump helping tame inflation
10 June
Australia’s economy is going into a slowdown, which will eventually bring inflation under control. That is the view of the Reserve Bank after officials appeared before a senate estimates hearing on Thursday, where they said a decline in momentum...[Read More]
Tax changes push biotech and health sectors offside
10 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]
Fuel stocks look secure into August as price hike eases
10 June
Australia has enough fuel reserves to last almost three months, as petrol prices at the bowser drop to near pre-Middle East war levels. The stock includes 43 days’ worth of petrol, 36 days’ worth of diesel, and 30 days’ worth of jet fuel, with...[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]
Confidence readings punctuate lull in economic calendar
10 June
Central bankers in Australia will scrutinise consumer and business confidence figures amid a dearth of hard economic data this week. Sentiment has plummeted amongst households and employers since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late...[Read More]
Interest rate impact hits housing approval levels
3 June
Rising interest rates have been blamed for a downturn in housing approvals, but tax changes in the federal budget could lead to an uptick. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the total number of dwellings approved in April fell...[Read More]
Minimum wage tops $1000 a week, stoking inflation fears
3 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]