US economic growth slowest in three years
Economists are generally skeptical that growth will reach Trump's goal of 3 to 4 per cent on a sustained basis.
The Economy
Why it's silly to debate 'good' versus 'bad' debt
The Treasurer, Scott Morrison, strayed into some rather silly territory this week in a speech seeking to lay down a new set of markers for the budget, divvying up government debt into "good" and "bad" debt.
Sydney house prices fall for first time in 18 months
Sydney house prices are set to suffer their first fall in 18 months, new figures show, in the wake of of strong action from regulators designed to curb the growth in investor loans.
Google admits the ATO is chasing it for money
Google Australia has confirmed for the first time ever that it has been hit with an amended tax bill by the ATO following audits of its affairs and that "the company will lodge an objection".
Facebook Australia pays more tax following crackdown
Technology giants are restructuring their tax affairs and for the first time ever counting local advertising revenue.
Want to stop land corruption? Take away the honeypot
One of the great mismatches is how little property developers are accused of giving to politicians from time to time and the massive amounts politicians gift to the developers – some $11 billion a year, according to a new book by two Queensland economists.
Budget reporting change sparks debt spree concerns
Leading economists have expressed unease about a budget reporting change.
ATO boss to hit companies with $4b in tax bills post reappointment
Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan will get another seven years at the head of the Australian Taxation Office, with the agency looking to hit more multinationals with tax bills amounting to $4 billion.
Sydney's most innovative suburbs - and workers - revealed
The study used 18 indicators to rank business innovation in districts across the city.
Finally, we could have a budget that will do something
Tuesday week, Morrison and Turnbull will no longer be as limited by concern about budget deficit.
'Pain spend' is hitting households where it hurts
Prices for essentials jump as wages barely lift and debts are high - boding ill for consumer spending.
Post Panama Papers, call to name and shame
Should the public be able to freely access the names of the people behind the ownership of assets and bank accounts?
ACT economy passes Victoria to become second strongest in Australia
The ACT has passed Victoria to become Australia's second-strongest economy, according to the latest CommSec state of the states report, published Monday.
Inflation likely to hit RBA target band
Rising costs for petrol, fruits and vegetables and tobacco are expected to have lifted consumer prices in the March quarter.
The new enemy of renters: Mums and dads
Few seem to care about renters fate but, for once, a little help may be coming their way.
Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Alibaba say retailers won't comply with GST change
Online retail giants Amazon, eBay, Etsy and Alibaba say the federal government has severely underestimated the threat of rival foreign online retailers failing to comply with its planned GST changes, and consumers will be left worse off.
Chevron eyes high court as it loses landmark tax case
Multinational oil giant Chevron has lost its appeal against a multimillion-dollar tax bill issued by the Australian Taxation Office, setting the scene for the tax man to challenge other companies with dubious tax schemes.
No hidden talents in Australia - we need 457 visas
The chief executive of Coles and Tabcorp boss are former captains of industry who came to our shores on 457 work visas.
Call to bring in nannies from Pacific Islands
Leading businesswoman says revamped 457 visa scheme should have made it easier for nannies from Pacific Islands to come here.
Worst of both worlds: Australia caught in disconnect
Australia is caught in a disconnect between the trajectory of its key commodity export and a currency that refuses to follow suit.
The one top-earning job that pays women more than men
The one top-earning job in Australia pays women more than men does so by just half a per cent.
Hiring a CEO from abroad? Can't be older than 45 in 457 revamp
The hunt for the right CEO just got harder because if he or she is from overseas they can't be aged over 45 under Malcolm Turnbull's plan to abolish 457 visas.
Australia - the new land of opportunity
Interest in the Australian market, particularly from the US and Canada, is rising given the level of transparency relative to other parts of Asia Pacific.
Economic rebound forecast in IMF's 'sneak budget preview'
The IMF changes tack as the budget approaches.
Australian economy to boom as unemployment drops, IMF
Global economic growth is expected to pick up this year and in 2018, despite the political uncertainties created by Brexit and the election of maverick US President Donald Trump. And the International Monetary Fund has issued a better growth forecast for the Australian economy, compared to the Treasury's most recent predictions issued in December.
Who killed 457 visas?
Turnbull, Dutton or Trump? Or maybe Hanson or Bernardi? Who can really claim responsibility?
A universal age pension is a win for younger generations too
Millennials and Baby Boomers are often cast as natural foes fighting in some kind of economic Hunger Games. But what if I told you that economic and social policy doesn't have to be zero-sum?
RBA flags 'drastic action' to curb 'dangerously dumb' house prices
The Reserve Bank has warned regulators it could be forced to clamp down further on home loans and take more drastic action to cool the overheated housing markets.
How negative gearing made the poor worse off
Australia's poorest people are taking on negatively geared property investments, despite their inability to manage the risks.
The green, amber and red of housing affordability
State and federal governments are promising action to make property more affordable for first-home buyers. But what would be the best policies?
Small Business
Tattoos can be good for your career
Tattoos are more common than ever but the workplace reaction can be mixed.
Great for the job, pity about your age
Discrimination in recruitment comes down to fear and ignorance.