Business confidence and conditions remain persistently strong despite global economic headwinds. In August, confidence rose three points to +10 index points, while conditions rose one point to +20 index points. Commenting on NAB’s August business survey, the bank’s chief economist Alan Oster said business confidence was robust...
Many Australians will know Don Smallgoods for its 1990s ads which comically proclaimed: “Is Don. Is Good.” Three decades later, the company is being held up as an example of how to strengthen the regional workforce, offering parents desirable school-friendly hours and predictable rosters. Kadi Taylor, from...
Rate hikes and the soaring cost of living are finally starting to weigh on household spending. Non-essential outgoings decreased in August, according to CommBank’s household spending intentions index, with sectors such as travel, entertainment, transport and retail all softening. However, spending in other categories – such as...
A parliamentary committee will grill the head of the Reserve Bank over the central bank’s past decisions. Australian mortgage holders have endured five rate rises as the RBA seeks to bring inflation under control, with the central bank’s governor Philip Lowe coming under pressure to resign...
Many people feel a little anxious if they forget their phone but some suffer from nomophobia – “no mobile phone phobia” – a serious fear of being disconnected. Macquarie University psychologist Wayne Warburton says smartphones, tablets, computers and TVs can all fuel screen overuse, but phones...
The King is a constitutional monarch who must remain politically neutral. The head of state has “an important formal and ceremonial relationship” with parliament, the monarchy’s official website says. Charles’ role will consist, as did the late Queen’s, of assenting to bills passed by parliament on the...
King Charles III may not automatically replace Queen Elizabeth II on Australia’s $5 note. Assistant Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh said the federal government had yet to make a decision on who should appear on the country’s lowest denomination bank note. Dr Leigh said the decision to include...
Many Australians don’t trust artificial intelligence (AI) and risk being overtaken by change, experts warn. Stela Solar, newly installed head of the CSIRO’s National AI Centre, said on Monday Australians have a “higher benchmark of trust” that needs to be met. “It comes with our natural leaning...
Victorian MPs have sworn their allegiance to King Charles III, but it could be for the last time as republican debate ramps up across Australia. Victoria is the only state or territory that requires parliamentarians to swear allegiance to the new monarch as part of its...
During the chilly winter months, most people hibernate and spend their time indoors. But with springtime comes sunshine that brings a new boost of energy for everyone. Because of the ideal weather, spring is a great time to clean and tick off some home maintenance chores...