Hiking international student visa fees and trimming consultant spending are Labor’s plan to keep the budget in shape while splashing out on election sweeteners. An assurance by Treasurer Jim Chalmers that more than $7 billion in savings would offset the cost of his party’s election promises...
Early childhood education is in the spotlight ahead of the federal election but the path to high-quality, universal and affordable childcare is unclear. Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly, Liberal MP Angie Bell, Greens senator Steph Hodgins-May and independent MP Zoe Daniel have taken part...
Most Australians want regulations on the use of artificial intelligence and almost half fear unchecked use of the technology could impact relationships, a study has found. But mandatory AI guardrails have not been raised as an issue during the federal election campaign despite the widespread concerns. Youth...
Australians who work from home have cut their commutes while increasing their working hours and saving money. The COVID-19 pandemic forced those who could to set up home offices and work remotely as lockdowns were implemented across the world. Five years on, 36 per cent of Australians...
They’re called the “engine room of the economy”, employing more than five million Australians, and they may have a big sway on the federal election result. Chasing the votes of small business owners, the major parties have offered a slew of promises, from tax incentives to...
The hospitality industry has defended surcharges on weekends and public holidays to help businesses cope with spiralling costs. In 2025, one in 11 hospitality businesses, a record 9.3 per cent, closed in the 12 months to February, CreditorWatch CreditorWatch data shows, as higher wages, energy and...