The Reserve Bank’s first rate cut since 2020 has delivered a welcome boost to the economic outlook, but Australian consumers are still more pessimistic than optimistic. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer confidence survey posted a strong four per cent gain in March, up to a three-year high...
The richest Australians continue to grow richer as those on lower incomes struggle to keep up. Following a temporary narrowing due to COVID-era support payments, the wealth divide has shot to its highest level in more than 20 years, according to the Melbourne Institute’s long-running HILDA...
Millions of Australians on welfare will have their fortnightly payments boosted by small amounts under indexation changes due to kick in later this month. More than five million recipients, including pensioners, renters, and job seekers will receive the increases from March 20. The Labor government has played...
Leading economists are criticising coalition claims that inflation has doubled under Labor, saying politicians are overplaying the influence governments have over the economy. The coalition has distributed a graphic on social media stating that average inflation when it was last in power – 2013 to 2022...
Household budgets would be bolstered and cost-of-living pressures would ease under proposed changes to the nation’s competition policy, the federal government says. Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh revealed the findings of a government task force in a speech to the Economic Society of Australia on...
Women are less confident than men that they will have a comfortable retirement, with only 34 per cent feeling prepared for life after work. A survey of 2250 Australians revealed that more than three in five women (62 per cent) felt they would be unable to...
Strides towards gender equality could be at risk if men are not included in the conversation, with leaders urging workplaces to stay the course on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Paralympians, company founders and youth advocates are speaking at a leadership summit held by workplace advocacy group...
Australians are losing hope as economic burdens weigh on their minds, but the prime minister insists help is on the horizon. One in three Australians has reported financial stress and a similar proportion believe their lives have worsened over the past year, pushing life satisfaction to...
One rural family faces a five-year waiting list for childcare, while another has a 130km drive to the closest centre and many others rely on grandparents for help. Mothers in rural Australia report quitting their jobs at schools and hospitals due to a dearth of childcare,...
Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, yet it offers incredible benefits for your overall health and well-being. Whether strolling through your neighbourhood or taking a brisk walk in nature, walking daily can lead to numerous positive changes in your body...