Author: Patrick Commins Economics editor

Australia newsAustralian economyCost of living crisisEconomicsInterest ratesUnemployment

Australians ‘scrambling’ for second jobs to deal with rising mortgage repayments and cost of living

Latest data also shows unemployment at highest level since the pandemic, which analysts doubt will stop RBA hiking interest ratesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian…

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Aged careAI (artificial intelligence)Australia newsAustralian economyAustralian politicsHealthJim ChalmersPopulation

More Australians will be dying than being born in 40 years as major report predicts future of lower growth

Seventh intergenerational report also outlines how Australia is at cusp of an uncertain age of artificial intelligenceFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastThere will be more Au…

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Australia newsAustralian economyAustralian politicsBusinessEconomicsInterest ratesInternational Monetary Fund (IMF)Jim Chalmers

IMF urges Australian governments to cut spending as another interest rate hike looms

Warning comes as forecast for nation’s economic growth downgraded amid concerns over rising debt and inflationFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe International Monetary Fu…

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Australia newsAustralian economyInflationInterest ratesReserve Bank of Australia

The RBA hoped this year’s three interest rate rises would tame inflation – but nothing is going their way

The breakdown of the US-Iran ceasefire, rising oil prices and the explosion in data centre investment are making the central bank’s task harderFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news pod…

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Australia newsAustralia weatherAustralian economyClimate crisisCost of living crisisEl Niño southern oscillationEnvironmentInflationPetrol pricesRetail industry

Record strength El Niño could mean bigger supermarket bills for Australians, experts warn

Predicted hot and dry weather in growing areas in eastern Australia identified as ‘one of the key issues’ that will affect food prices over next 12 monthsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe most severe El Niño weather event o…

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Australia newsAustralian economyAustralian politicsBusinessEconomicsInflation

We’re purchasing EVs instead of holidaying in Europe – and what else we learned from Australia’s national accounts

ABS’s snapshot of Australia’s accounts shows economic growth – albeit low – in the face ‘challenging international circumstances’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian Bureau of Statistics released its latest set of n…

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Australia newsAustralian Bureau of StatisticsBusinessEconomicsInflationInterest ratesReserve Bank of Australia

Fears grow for fourth rate hike after Australia sees higher-than-expected July inflation

Bureau of Statistics says CPI was 3.5% in July, casting doubt on Reserve Bank meeting its 2.5% inflation target without further hikeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFears a…

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Anthony AlbaneseAustralia newsAustralian economyAustralian politicsGSTLabor partyTaxWestern Australia

Morrison-era GST deal with WA a multi-billion dollar mistake that should be reversed, Productivity Commission finds

Interim report calls for carve-up deal that has only benefited Western Australia to be ‘reshaped’ as it has achieved almost none of its objectivesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news …

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Australia newsAustralian economyInflationInterest ratesReserve Bank of Australia

The RBA likely believes it won’t need to hike rates again – but the worst thing it could do is say that out loud

When it comes to the Reserve Bank, there’s a whiff of a parent making a threat they have no intention of carrying outGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEvery parent makes threats in an effort to get their kids to behave – and ev…

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Australia newsAustralian economyHousingInterest ratesReserve Bank of Australia

Australia’s falling house prices are actually a good thing for mortgage holders. Here’s why

The RBA’s governor, Michele Bullock, has made it clear that the ‘easing’ property market is on her mindGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIt’s the silver lining that’s not making headlines: falling home prices means another Rese…

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