Feeling okay? That could be because you're in the Sydney-Melbourne bubble
The concept of "two Australias" isn't new, but those of us in VicNSW are less aware of it than we were back at the peak of the mining boom when it was QldWA versus the rest.
The Economy
Five years after the boom, battle rages over mining wages
Coal prices may be recovering, but there are no celebrations in WA mining town Collie, where workers are fighting plans to slash their wages almost in half.
Why bets on a Trump mining boom are tempting fate
Fears grow that prices have climbed too far, too fast in wake of US election and Chinese housing boom
Small businesses optimistic despite red tape, skills shortages
Deloitte survey shows small businesses optimistic despite skills shortages.
Five economic game changers for 2017
After a game-changing year in markets, prepare for improved, but modest, growth next year, Societe Generale says.
How the founders of Nudie went sour with lies and tax evasion
The family that founded Nudie juice had a sweet beginning but all has turned sour, with the family losing a court case, backed by the ATO, and being hit with a $125 million tax bill.
Infrastructure opportunity knocked – Canberra wasn't home
It's not too late for the nation to realise its potential. By selecting the right projects, we can certainly afford it – if only we had politicians with the vision and discipline to lead.
Proposal to scrap tax deductions for work clothes
About 500,000 taxpayers who claim tax deductions for non-compulsory work uniforms could be denied the benefit under a new proposal.
How to get wages bang for the tax cut buck
Well that's one way to deal with the problem of bracket creep – don't have a wages increase.
End the age of entitlement - for seniors
Australia's tax system has become skewed towards a growing and apparently untouchable group of 'taxed nots' - they are older Australians who pay roughly $1 billion per year less tax than younger Australians in the same circumstances, according to a new Grattan Institute report.
$24 billion budget blowout. Government to confirm the worst on December 19
Much lower than expected wage growth has knocked a hole in the government's budget projections, blowing out deficits right through until 2019-20.
Why just about everyone's happy when bond yields soar
Bond yields are climbing because of a feeling things are about to get better.
How little Oz rolls with the economic punches
How has poor little Oz managed to keep our economy growing continuously for 25 years while, in the same period, other economies have suffered a recession or even two? We've had good insurance policies.
Sydney's biggest win since the Olympics
NSW growth rate "historic"
Whyalla wipeout: Who's paying to mop up?
Quite simply, the business case has not added up for the Arrium steelworks, even with bits and pieces of protectionism
Next stop on the ATO's cash economy hit list: tradies
The building and construction industry will be the next main target of the tax man's attempts to claw-back revenue lost due to the illegal cash economy.
Huge mistake not to embrace wisdom of older people
The vigour of youth can so easily become destructive aggression without the tempering of the wisdom of elders.
Cutting company taxes boosts wages? That's hilarious
Treasurer Scott Morrison and the Business Council of Australia have wasted no time in grabbing Donald Trump's election as a justification for cutting Australian corporate tax rates.
Millions lost via dodgy trusts: ATO
Just a handful of dodgy tax structures being used by Australians cost tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue, according to the Tax Office.
Job surge tempered by lack of full time work
A big jump in job creation masks a concerning trend in underemployment say economists.
Sydney gets richer as it gets bigger. But there's a catch
As Sydney gets bigger and more densely populated it is also gets much richer. But there's a catch – new research shows a disproportionate share of the wealth is going to top income earners as Australia's major cities grow and that is breeding greater inequality.
Wage growth plumbs new depths as workers endure record wait for pay rises
f you think it's a long time since you got your last pay rise, you are right. The Bureau of Statistics says over the past four years the average wait has climbed from 12 months to 14 months – the longest on record.
There is a way to stamp out sexist culture
For every corporate gender diversity policy, for every well-intentioned plan aimed at stamping out sexual harassment and bullying, there is a man on whom the message is lost.
Wages grow at slowest pace on record: ABS
If you're frustrated that you haven't had a payrise in years, you're not alone, the latest wage growth figures suggest.
Trump's program is dangerous, says Reserve Bank chief Philip Lowe
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has labelled US President-elect Donald Trump's trade policy "dangerous" and probably his biggest concern.
Why some jobs are more satisfying than others
How about we take a short break from worrying about the new job Donald Trump has lined up for himself and think about our own jobs.
Reward 'disruptors' to achieve investment and growth
Australia must be prepared to undergo hard structural reforms.
Spend more on infrastructure to avoid 'new mediocre', IMF tells Coalition
The International Monetary Fund has taken aim at the first Turnbull budget for winding back spending too quickly, especially in the coming financial year when, it says, the budget will rip $20 billion out of the economy,
Australian economy resilient, more government spending needed: IMF
The federal government should consider slowing its path to budget balance and instead spend more on growth-friendly infrastructure projects, IMF staff said in their annual check-up on the economy.
RBA grapples with uncertain job market, accelerating housing
The RBA is struggling to gauge the strength of the labour market and its implications for inflation while house prices on the east coast accelerate.
Small Business
Exhausted? Three tips to fire up your brain
It's the end of the year, no wonder you're tired.
Best way to minimise the income tax on your sale
I am 49 years old and I've had an unexpected offer on my business.