Economy

Happy couple analyzing housing project at construction site

Queensland dwelling approvals down 8.8% in May

Dwelling approvals in Queensland fell 8.8 percent in May as early signs emerge of market wobbles following tax changes in the Federal Budget. The Queensland fall
Read more2 July 2026
Worried woman in the night checks laptop

People have lost trust in national governments

More than 40 percent of people in OECD countries have low or no trust in their national governments. The latest OECD Trust Survey, released overnight, found that trust
Read more30 June 2026
Female Customer Standing By Racks Of Clothes In Independent Fashion Store Holding Bags

Spending rises despite economic restraints

Households unexpectedly lifted spending on travel, restaurants and takeaway meals in May, creating further confusion on the state of the economy. Australian Bureau of
Read more25 June 2026
Worried couple having problems inside of their house under construction.

Housing focus ignores high levels of mortgage stress

By Rachel Ong ViforJ On Tuesday, the Albanese government struck a deal with the Greens to allow sweeping changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount
Read more25 June 2026
Woman Following a Big Insect on the Kitchen Floor

Stubborn inflation keeps dodging and weaving

By Shane Rodgers The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was at a stubborn 4 percent in the year to May, giving regulators little guidance on whether it is energised or
Read more24 June 2026
Deadline concept. Scared woman holding documents and looking at laptop in office

Tax and finance changes that come into effect on July 1

By Liz Minchin and Victoria Thieberger July 1 ushers in a new financial year – and a raft of changes that will affect both workers and businesses. From changes in
Read more24 June 2026
Young Adult Woman Resting On Her Surfboard Waiting For A Wave At Sunset

Capital city to the regions drift hits a record high

Migration of people from capital cities to the regions has hit a record high as tree changers and sea changers seek out alternative housing, work and lifestyle
Read more23 June 2026
Woman, florist and clipboard with laptop at shop with stress, thinking and problem solving at small business. Person, pc and sustainability for plants with mistake, crisis and lost order on web store

State business confidence dives to historic lows

Business confidence in Queensland is now worse than the levels experienced during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008. Business Chamber Queensland’s March
Read more18 June 2026
Yoga, man and breathe meditation in home, house or living room floor for energy, fitness or mental health. Relax, stress relief and zen person with mindfulness for pilates, spiritual healing or peace

Reserve Bank leaves interest rates on hold for now

Australian households have received some rare good news with the Reserve Bank voting unanimously to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 percent. Despite this,
Read more16 June 2026
Brad Sweeney Energex

Energy businesses seeking 125 new apprentices

Ergon Energy Network and Energex have started recruitment for 125 new apprentices to start in February 2027. The jobs will be based in metropolitan, rural and remote
Read more16 June 2026