Business

Australian economy shrinks 0.5pc in worst fall since GFC

Australia's economy shrinks 0.5 per cent in the September quarter, well below already pessimistic analyst forecasts and its worst decline since the global financial crisis.

• The recession we won't have to have

7-Eleven and Fair Work sign deal to combat exploitation

The workplace regulator signs a landmark deal with convenience store chain 7-Eleven to combat exploitation of workers by franchisees through measures including biometric technology and CCTV supervision.

Productivity Commission flags higher fines for dodgy products

The maximum fines for retailers who sell unsafe products, like some hoverboards, could be 10 times as high, according to suggestions from the Productivity Commission.

Further legal action planned against Adani's $22-billion Carmichael coal mine

Traditional owners are set to launch further legal action against Adani's proposed Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland arguing the project, they describe as "disasterous", impinges on native title rights.

Call to end CUB beer and cider boycott after deal struck

Picketing Carlton and United Breweries workers are invited to return to their jobs at the Abbotsford plant Melbourne, unions say, adding that a pay deal has been struck.

'I didn't like who I was': Bank staff paid bonuses to hard-sell products

Workers at some of Australia's biggest banks accuse the industry of having an aggressive sales culture which rewards bad behaviour and can have devastating consequences for consumers.

Has the era of record low interest rates come to an end?

With the RBA giving no indication that it has any intention of taking the official cash rate any lower, is the era of record low interest rates finally coming to an end?

• RBA leaves interest rates on hold

Proposed Esso strike stopped by Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Commission issues an order preventing more than 600 Esso workers from striking indefinitely from Friday.

Claims donor laws corrupt as political donations near $1 billion

Declared donations and payments to Australian political parties are about to top $1 billion, a new analysis of data shows, revealing the property industry has been the most generous since returns have been published.