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Final Aust coin featuring Queen released
Since ascending to the throne in 1952, six portraits of Queen Elizabeth II have appeared on the back of Australian coins. But next year, a new design featuring the late monarch will be released for the final time. Nearly three months after her death at 96, the Royal...[Read More]
Budget good, but more needed: business
Peak business groups have hailed the Albanese government’s first budget as careful and cautious, but warn hard work lies ahead to shore up the economy. Business Council chief Jennifer Westacott said the Labor economic blueprint made the necessary first steps to...[Read More]
Electric car tax cuts welcome, more wanted
Federal budget tax cuts for electric cars and moves to create a national electric vehicle charging network in Australia have been welcomed by motoring and environmental groups overnight. The policies could shave $4700 off the cost of buying an electric car for an...[Read More]
Fuel efficiency rules next hurdle for govt
Australia could help drivers save billions of dollars by matching fuel efficiency rules for cars imposed by other leading economies, a public policy think tank says. Stronger standards for new vehicles would cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce costs at the bowser,...[Read More]
NAPLAN testing takes final step to online
More than one million students will take part in the latest round of annual NAPLAN testing and for the first time, all the assessments will be conducted online. Students in years 3, 5, 7, and 9 will sit the national literacy and numeracy test across 9500 schools and...[Read More]
Insurance: Every 12-18 months, make sure you ask yourself these questions
We have 5 important questions to ask yourself in relation to your insurance needs. If you answer YES to any of these questions, you could benefit from reviewing your insurance cover with the help of your financial adviser. 1) Have you welcomed any new members to the...[Read More]
Worker demand points to low jobless rate
Continued strong demand for skilled workers backs economists’ predictions that the latest jobs figures will show the unemployment rate below four per cent for the first time in nearly 50 years. At the same time, the cut in fuel excise announced in last...[Read More]
States to share in $166b of federal funds
The states are set to share in $166.4 billion from the federal government over the next financial year. The budget papers released on Tuesday reveal the Morrison government will permanently boost the size of the GST pool to be distributed among the states each...[Read More]
Mixed views on ethanol as oil shock answer
Australia’s petrol and diesel taxes are already amongst the lowest in the world, potentially throttling efforts to curb price spikes and prompting some to propose ethanol as an option. Biodiesel, bioethanol, and biocrude blends can be used as alternatives, with...[Read More]
More pain for drivers as oil prices rise
Motorists are feeling even further pain at the bowser, and the signs are it will only get worse as global oil prices rise on escalating political tensions between the Ukraine and Russia. Prices hit a fresh seven-year highs on Monday with Brent crude oil above $US95 a...[Read More]
Why now could be a good time to review your life insurance
Clarity (OnePath) Why it pays to review your cover Your life insurance is flexible and can be adapted to your changing needs. Make sure you have a cover review with your adviser every 12-18 months to ensure you’re covered for just the right amount, paying the...[Read More]
New Australian republic plan unveiled
Alex Mitchell (Australian Associated Press) The Australian Republic Movement has unveiled its preferred method for the nation to appoint a new head of state. The group says federal, state and territory parliaments should nominate a shortlist of candidates for...[Read More]
Funding to mark 50 years since Vietnam
Alex Mitchell (Australian Associated Press) As the 50th anniversary of Australia ending its involvement in the Vietnam War approaches, federal government funding has been allocated to commemorate the significant milestone. With $6 million committed, a range of...[Read More]
Seniors ready to help with skills shortage
Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent (Australian Associated Press) Senior Australians are on board to help meet the shortage of workers in the economy, but only if the federal government fixes the punitive income test that discourages them...[Read More]
Carbon emissions are down
Tracey Ferrier (Australian Associated Press) Australia has recorded a drop in its carbon emissions on the back of the pandemic, lower coal production and more renewable energy in the national grid. In the year to June, emissions were down by 2.1 per cent That...[Read More]