On your bike, take a hike: paths get $100m budget boost

8 May

Walking and cycling paths will get a $100 million boost in the upcoming federal budget, in the biggest national active transport investment in more than a decade. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King announced the investment on Tuesday, with...[Read More]

Inflation and slowing growth pose budget balancing act

8 May

WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE FEDERAL BUDGET The third federal budget under the Albanese government will be handed down on May 14 and several spending and policy announcements have already been made. THE BIG PICTURE *A second surplus is still the goal in...[Read More]

CSIRO develops red meat powder to beef up drinks, snacks

8 May

Fancy a steak in your shake? Beef lovers can look forward to the next best thing, with a new red meat powder set to boost beverages and snacks. Developed by national science agency CSIRO, Just Meat protein powder may appear an unlikely choice for...[Read More]

Price of Aussie farmland set for slower growth

8 May

Australian farmland prices are set to rise again this year, but growth will be slower than in the past three years, according to the yearly snapshot from Rabobank. The agricultural lender forecasts farmland value will increase in the next 12 months...[Read More]

Choosing a New Home: Top 10 Considerations for Selecting the Right Retirement Community

2 May

Finding the right retirement home is a significant decision that marks a new chapter in life. While it might evoke mixed emotions, recognising the need for more tailored care and support can also be a positive step towards enjoying a fulfilling and...[Read More]

Strategies for conflict resolution and motivation in the workplace and beyond

2 May

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the art of communication often gets diluted in a sea of emails, text messages, and online postings.    While these methods provide convenience and efficiency, they can sometimes lack the personal touch and...[Read More]

Property Investing: Residential vs. Commercial Real Estate

2 May

In the realm of property investment, prospective investors often grapple with comparing residential vs commercial real estate. Both offer viable investment opportunities, but they also come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. Hence, the...[Read More]

Top 10 Strategies to Boost Brain Power and Enhance Mental Agility

2 May

Keeping your mind sharp and agile is crucial for managing the demands of daily life and work, enhancing problem-solving skills, and ensuring long-term mental health.    Here are the top ten tips for sharpening your mind:   Exercise Regularly:...[Read More]

Top holiday destinations to visit for young families

2 May

Everyone can find something to enjoy in Australia’s many towns and natural wonders, from kiddie explorers and beach-loving teenagers to culture-hungry adults and foodies of all ages. Good thing there are plenty of places to see and experience in...[Read More]

Home values defy gravity for 15th month

2 May

Australia has clocked its fifteenth month in a row of house price growth despite wobbly economic conditions, with prices gaining a further 0.6 per cent in April. Dwelling values were growing at the same pace in April as in both February and March,...[Read More]

Investment markets and key developments – Weekly market update 26/4/24

2 May

Global shares rose over the last week recovering some of their losses from prior weeks helped by no further escalation in the Israel/Iran conflict and solid profit results in the US. However, the gains were limited by inflation and interest rate...[Read More]

Inflation moderating but not as quickly as hoped

2 May

Australian inflation has come in hotter than expected, with price increases hitting a broad array of categories including rents, education and medical bills. Annual inflation is still tracking in the right direction, falling to 3.6 per cent in the...[Read More]

Slow progress on inflation tempers interest rate hopes

2 May

Australians suffering from the prolonged cost of living crisis paid more for essential expenses such as rents, education fees, insurance and medical bills as data shows stubborn inflationary pressures remain. The dollar rose near half a per cent and...[Read More]

Jobseeker cash rise quashed but other help on the cards

2 May

Calls to boost Jobseeker and youth allowance payments have been hosed down by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who says he will look at other ways to help struggling Australians as he prepares his third budget. A dozen top economists have joined a growing...[Read More]

Oliver’s insights The art of happiness – economics and the “hedonic treadmill”

2 May

Key points – Despite a big rise in GDP per person, surveyed measures of happiness have been flat to falling in the US and Australia. – Younger people in the US, Canada, Australia and NZ are the least happy age group. This is a major change from...[Read More]