news
economy
environment December 2, 2023
Murray–Darling plan wrenched across the line
Labor has wrested support for its legislation to save the Murray–Darling Basin with concessions to the Greens and independent senators, but the plan’s heavy reliance on water buybacks will do little to appease farmers and state governments.
economy November 11, 2023
Why the cost of living is still too high
As expectations rise for another interest rate hike by year’s end, and the pain of inflation pressure weighs on more households, it’s clear the RBA can’t solve the inflation problem alone.
rural October 21, 2023
Red tape delays Black Summer rebuild
In some areas, barely 10 per cent of the homes lost in the Black Summer fires have been rebuilt due to struggles with development approvals, insurance shortfalls and labour and material shortages. Now another fire season looms.
economy September 23, 2023
Jim Chalmers’ pitch to clean up corporate Australia
As Qantas and PwC take steps to restore their damaged reputations, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announces draft legislation to penalise corporate wrongdoing and help bring it to light.
law & crime September 23, 2023
Exclusive: Australia’s welfare agency at risk of collapse
Services Australia staff say the agency is in chaos, blaming under-resourcing and poor decisions for ‘the worst culture, morale and treatment of employees ever seen’.
resources September 16, 2023
How to build a green economic boom
This second instalment of a two-part series explains how Australia can create a thriving economy based on green energy and manufacturing, while helping the world shift to renewables.
environment September 9, 2023
Lessons from the US energy transition
In the first of a two-part series, one of the architects of US President Joe Biden’s signature climate legislation reflects on its success and failures a year on, and the lessons for Australia as it crafts its response.
environment September 2, 2023
Australia’s greenhouse emissions are still rising
New figures show Australia has little chance of meeting its emissions targets. After a period of flatlining figures, the numbers are going up sharply.
immigration August 26, 2023
What’s different about this intergenerational report
Migration is among the measures laid out in the latest intergenerational report, to help address the problems of an ageing population in an increasingly indebted country.
international relations August 26, 2023
‘It’s breaking down’: Can China contain its economic crisis?
As China teeters on the edge of a balance sheet recession, it’s clear Australia can no longer rely on its largest trading partner to pull it out of trouble.
law & crime August 26, 2023
Exclusive: Millions skimmed off government welfare contracts
Briefing documents show employment providers are paying themselves more than $40 million a year to move welfare recipients through jobs and training within their own companies.