Finance
Smarter energy at home: Serious ways to reduce electricity bills
14 May
Electricity bills have become one of the biggest household expenses, and for many families, the usual advice of “turn off the lights” simply does not go far enough. While small habits matter, meaningful savings often come from understanding...[Read More]
Ethical investing: How do you align your money with your values
14 May
In today’s world, more investors are seeking not only financial returns but also alignment between their money and their values. This approach, known as ethical investing, is about choosing investments that consider environmental, social, and...[Read More]
Oliver’s Insights – The 2026-27 Budget – responsibility, productivity and fairness – or is it?
14 May
Key points The key changes are a wind back in negative gearing, the taxation of real capital gains, numerous moves to reduce regulation, and modest net budget cuts over five years. The projected deficits are now slightly lower over the budget...[Read More]
Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update – 08/05/2026
14 May
Global share markets rose strongly over the last week led by US shares on the back of renewed hopes for a peace deal with Iran to reopen the Strait, strong US earnings results and mostly good economic data. For the week US shares rose 2.3%,...[Read More]
Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain
14 May
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is defending an extra $18 billion in government spending next financial year despite warnings it will make the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation harder. The federal budget on Tuesday revealed government spending will...[Read More]
Labor tucks away $77b war chest for further tax cuts
14 May
Tax changes in the budget give the government scope to direct more relief to workers in future, raising the prospect of a 2028 pre-election sweetener. While higher taxes on assets will be returned to workers via tax cuts in the short term, Treasury...[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]
Super shake-up wins support as budget savings spruiked
14 May
Superannuation performance test changes are being flagged as a way to boost Australia’s lagging productivity rate, as the federal treasurer promises more budget savings. First signalled during Jim Chalmers’ economic reform roundtable in August,...[Read More]
Aussies reliant on crucial medicines to save on scripts
14 May
More Australians will be able to pick up their prescriptions for less money, as the government boosts medicine subsidies in the federal budget. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which regulates prices of life-saving medications, will be increased...[Read More]
Electric car owners dodge road charge but pay more tax
14 May
Australia’s electric car drivers may escape a road-user charge for another year but will pay more tax under measures revealed in the federal budget. The changes are part of several reforms to support low-emission vehicles in the budget, including...[Read More]
Budget lacks energy for big renewable project reforms
13 May
Australia’s growing throng of solar panels, batteries and electric cars will be managed by a new regulator in a multimillion-dollar budget commitment welcomed by investment and climate groups. The change will come in addition to support for...[Read More]
Canberra embraces AI data crunch for medicines to tax
13 May
Artificial intelligence will be deployed across the federal government for everything from evaluating medicines to identifying tax fraud in a bid to boost the nation’s productivity. A long list of AI trials were named in the federal budget on...[Read More]
‘These geniuses’: PM’s generational housing gamble
13 May
Anthony Albanese is playing “gutsy” politics with sweeping changes to tax concessions for landlords but risks offending established investors who may not have expected the overhaul, an expert in politics says. From July 2027, negative gearing...[Read More]
Green groups warn climate courage missing from budget
13 May
Climate wins on bike lanes and batteries have been overshadowed by a failure to capture fossil fuel revenue and rein in off-road diesel credits, environment groups say. The lead up to Tuesday’s federal budget was dominated by a campaign to hike...[Read More]
Rural leaders see budget shortfalls for health, roads
13 May
Australia’s regions will benefit from funding to bolster fuel supplies and public hospitals, but investment in rural health reform, better connectivity and safer country roads continues to fall short, according to industry groups. The federal...[Read More]