After a huge week of economic news, where did we land on the direction of interest rates?
It's been a big week for economic and business news.Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down his third budget on Tuesday, and the Bureau of Statistics published…
Federal Budget 2024 live updates: Government defends cost-of-living payments as opposition urges plan to fight inflation
There are promises aplenty of free and accessible mental health services, but they’re still a way off yet, writes national health reporter Elise Worthington. You…
HECS relief but universities, students still waiting for answers as budget reality dampens promise of historic ‘accord’
In short: $1.1 billion will be spent over five years on initiatives such as HECS relief, addressing "poverty placement" and better access to courses.A "needs based"…
We’ve been told to expect a cautious budget, but will it satisfy an impatient public?
"Economic management", a well-worn political trope even in ordinary times, has been especially prominent in the lead-up to the Albanese government's third federal budget on…
Ken Henry knows a thing or two about federal budgets. His message for Jim Chalmers? Hold steady
There aren't many economists willing to depart from the line that Tuesday's budget must tighten the belt on spending and be "contractionary" to prevent another…
Competition watchdog ACCC to get a boost in powers making it easier to block ‘harmful’ mergers and acquisitions
Australia's competition watchdog will be given far stronger powers to prevent companies from making repeated under-the-radar acquisitions that could harm competition and consumers.The changes, being…
Treasurer brushes off suggestions broken promise on tax cuts opens door to negative gearing changes
The treasurer has brushed off suggestions the government may scrap the controversial negative gearing scheme after proving willing to break its promise not to touch…
Former head of competition watchdog Allan Fels says supermarkets are ‘overpricing’, after calling for ACCC inquiry
The former head of Australia's competition watchdog has urged the federal government to order an in-depth investigation into supermarket profit margins and supply chains, accusing…
Prime minister hints at expansion of stage 3 tax cuts to benefit lower-income earners
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has given the strongest indication yet that the stage 3 tax cuts will be expanded to benefit lower-income earners.The prime minister…
Low and middle income earners to pay thousands more due to bracket creep, according to PBO
The median income earner will pay an extra $5,000 in the next three years due to bracket creep but get minimal benefit from the stage…