Budget is an election rehearsal
The budget is a dress rehearsal for the themes both sides will take to the election.
Inflation at zero the sweet spot for stocks
Despite all the fear around falling prices, Wall Street shows even moderate deflation isn't bad news for investors.
BHP takes Patrick tack on coal ballot
Queensland's three major coal unions have warned members that the BHP Billiton-led management of the world's biggest coking coal business might hold an unusually early direct vote of employees.
Interest rate cuts not the answer
The RBA would be better off preserving its ammunition for a time when it really needs it
Publish or perish is not the commercial way
Commercial work usually involves keeping research results a secret, but the bright innovators have to publish their work to get ahead.
Detention contracts outsource risk
Detention center contracts are more about creating political distance than cost cutting.
In denial over our big-spending habits
The government should kick the deficit habit with spending cuts and tax increases.
Why is the technology industry so terrified of tax?
The tech industry may be seen as Australia's post mining boom saviour, but that still leaves plenty to be worried about.
Company tax cut is the new banana republic test
The jobs of the future are the ones most easily driven out of Australia by unrealistic levels of company tax.
Featured Opinion
philip baker
Inflation at zero the sweet spot for stocks
Despite all the fear around falling prices, Wall Street shows even moderate deflation isn't bad news for investors.
tony boyd
Telstra lays out NBN challenge
The national broadband network will take the telco back to the future except this time it won't be the monopoly.
phillip coorey
Turnbull's 'substance' experiment is over
Malcolm Turnbull tried to raise the level of debate, and Labor smashed him. Now he's talking a leaf out of tony Abbott's slogan playbook.
greg earl
Japan bruised but not surprised by submarine decision
Japan has been bruised by its first big defence export failure but the bilateral relationship should be bigger than this deal.
jennifer hewett
Budget is an election rehearsal
The budget is a dress rehearsal for the themes both sides will take to the election.
alan mitchell
Global trade slowdown creates new challenge for Turnbull
The slump in global trade can partly be blamed on "micro-protectionism", such as the Turnbull government's proposed anti-dumping duties on imported steel.
michael smith
Virgin recovery stumbles as demand for flights dwindles
When Air NZ boss Christopher Luxon spat the dummy and quit Virgin Australia's board, he would've had some idea of the airline's deteriorating performance.
matthew stevens
BHP takes Patrick tack on coal ballot
Queensland's three major coal unions have warned members that the BHP Billiton-led management of the world's biggest coking coal business might hold an unusually early direct vote of employees.
laura tingle
More than ever the battleground is the centre
This will be an important message in next Tuesday's budget, writes Laura Tingle.
tony walker
Stealthy insurance against Trump win
Self-reliance in defence looks prudent as America's view of its allies turns more uncertain.
