Business

Manufacturers 'will quit Australia' if energy cannot be guaranteed

As concern grows about the cost of power and the stability of the electricity grid, the head of the Food and Grocery Council says manufacturers will quit Australia if affordable, reliable energy cannot be guaranteed.

The week in finance: Markets becalmed but will higher Chinese interest rates change things?

Having been driven along by a storm of political change since late last year, markets are now somewhat becalmed.

Land tax could replace stamp duty in proposal costed by PBO

The Parliamentary Budget Office investigates a proposal to abolish stamp duty and replace it with a broad-based land tax, adding to a fierce political battle over housing affordability.

Global carbon emissions flat despite economic growth, raising hopes of downward trend

A greener energy mix has helped keep energy-related carbon dioxide emissions flat in 2016 according to International Energy Agency data, showing countries are able to have economic growth while reducing emissions.

Queensland Premier, mayors work to convince Adani to go ahead with $21.7b mine

Annastacia Palaszczuk and a group of regional mayors hope their visit to India will help convince Adani to go ahead with the Carmichael coal mine, despite protesters promising to disrupt its construction.

Casual workers paying for 'junk insurance' they don't know they have

Many workers don't even realise they've got insurance that covers death and disability paid for out of their super funds but, for casuals, even though they're still paying they may not be covered.

Westpac raises home loan interest rates

Westpac will raise its home loan interest rates for investors and owner-occupiers, following a similar move by National Australia Bank.

• NAB raises home loan interest rates

Subcontractors owed millions of dollars let down by 'basket case' laws, builders say

Hundreds of subcontractors in the building and construction industry say they are owed large debts — in some cases millions of dollars — but are unable to recover the money because of overly complex recovery processes and poor enforcement of the law.