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Flat economy failing to lift living standards

John Hawkins and Stephen Bartos Australia’s economy expanded by 0.4 percent in the June quarter, with spending growth driven by record sales of imported electric

Bank predicts even bigger drop in house prices

The Commonwealth Bank has revised down its dwelling price forecasts off the back of weaker sales momentum over the past three months. It says the housing downturn has

Queensland seeks closer investment ties with Indonesia

The Queensland Government is holding talks with Indonesian officials this week as part of efforts to attract resources investment. It has also announced a trade mission

Inflation stabilises despite housing pressure

The annual inflation rate was at 3.5 percent in July, a slight drop from the previous month. The “trimmed” Consumer Price Index figure, which strips out temporary

Youth struggle with debt and delayed independence

A new study of Australia’s youth paints a picture of a generation struggling with early debt and delayed independence. It found young people have a “less linear path

Economic growth edges up across OECD countries

Economic growth in industrialised economies rose slightly in the second quarter of 2026. OECD data released this week shows that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose in 27

Growing regions ‘need to keep character and liveability’

Regional Queensland has a major opportunity to build new industries but its success will depend on preserving its liveability and the unique character of each area. This

Ban on card surcharges may have big rent impacts

By Fengfei Li From October 1, businesses will no longer be able to add surcharges to payments made on the EFTPOS, Visa or Mastercard networks, following reforms by the

New minimum pay rates start for gig workers

On-demand delivery workers will be required to be paid a minimum pay rate of at least $31.30 under new rules that take effect this week. The new minimum standards cover

Negative home equity a low risk in the long run

By Steven Rowley For most people who buy a home, a mortgage represents the single largest debt they will take on in their lives. But what happens if the market value of

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