May
Cash splash as Boomers hit the jackpot
After decades of saving, older Australians are spending up. But the wave of cash is causing headaches for the inflation-fighting treasurer and RBA. Can the good times last?
April
New gas supplies ‘needed’ says Bowen as Gippsland wind takes off
Energy Minister Chris Bowen believes Australia has no option but to seek new supplies of gas even as he green-lights six potential offshore Gippsland wind projects.
Kean questions need for Eraring bailout
It will be the “NSW government”, not the renewables sector, that faces the music if sluggish wind, solar and transmission rollout leads to blackouts.
- Updated
- Opinion
- Canberra Observed
Dutton’s atomic bet threatens Coalition chain reaction over climate
Rather than keep the heat on Labor’s handling of the cost-of-living pain as inflation stays high, the opposition leader’s nuclear venture risks becoming the story.
‘Safe room for terrorists’: ASIO warns big tech on encryption
Federal spy and crime chiefs will demand access to social messaging systems that allow terrorists, violent extremists and child abusers to operate with impunity.
Last thing Australia needs ‘is another car industry’, warns MCA boss
Labor should lay off “steering” business, invest in R&D and work with, rather than against, trade partners, says Minerals Council CEO Tania Constable.
Henry demands billions for nature repair market
The economist wants a public fund to spur corporate involvement in “nature-positive” land protection.
EU ‘disappointed’ on frozen trade talks, big on SMRs
Labor should “re-engage” over trade co-operation, said EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, who advocated the benefits of nuclear power.
D’Ambrosio gas claim debunked after outburst against Labor’s King
In another Victorian clash over gas with the Albanese government, Lily D’Ambrosio accused Madeleine King of behaving like “a Coalition minister”.
- Exclusive
- Environmental protection
Internal Labor group chides Plibersek on nature-positive ‘vacuum’
A Labor green group says reforms to environmental laws are an Albanese “election commitment” on an issue Labor members have campaigned for nearly a decade.
- Opinion
- Political leadership
At Yarralumla it’s not about the person. It’s about the institution
For 99.9 per cent of the time the governor-general is irrelevant to the lives of most Australians. But when they do matter, they matter very much.
Bet ‘significant’ public money on renewables stakes: Combet
The incoming chair of the nation’s sprawling $212 billion Future Fund says it’s time to return to public investment in green energy.
- Exclusive
- Carbon challenge
Sims questions solar panels as report sounds alarm on coal jobs
The green energy advocate’s caution comes as Labor looks to fund early retirements of coal power station workers, some earning up to $170,000 a year.
March
PM pours $1b into solar panel manufacturing
The Albanese government will dedicate $1 billion towards the domestic production of solar panels, including in coal-rich Hunter Valley.
Business fears Fair Work intervention in power closures
Business groups fear Labor’s Net Zero Transition Authority legislation will expose them to union-initiated disputes as coal- and gas-fired power stations close.
- Updated
Labor pulls gas bill after Greens threaten car emission reforms
Labor halted an offshore gas regulation bill the Coalition said it would support after the Greens threatened to retaliate by scuttling Labor’s car policy.
‘Get on with it’: Car makers accept Labor fuel policy – over to Greens
Citing strong support from climate groups, Labor pressed Adam Bandt to drop a threat to scuttle the government’s signature transport pollution reduction plan.
- Exclusive
- Climate policy
Bowen, King water down fuel standards to avoid ute backlash
Manufacturers of utes will be given softer emission reduction targets in return for the adoption of environmentally beneficial technology.
These are the biggest fears for renewables investors
Finding the right blend of risk and return is the biggest headache for climate investors, a new survey shows.
- Opinion
- Carbon challenge
Green policy car crash complicates Labor’s election outlook
A series of competing and interlinked priorities are colliding in Labor’s Senate, where all eyes are turning to the next election.
