The economy

Housing affordability set to be a problem for at least 40 years

Housing affordability is likely to be an issue for at least 40 years, with the demand for new homes needing bold policy, a major new report says.

Government losing its resistance to rent-seeking businesses

I'm starting to suspect the federal government – of whatever colour – has lost its ability to control its own spending.

• by Ross Gittins

The problem with property doomsayers

The team at ABC's Four Corners assembled a thrilling package about the Australian property boom last Monday.

• by Jessica Irvine

We're being misled on apprenticeship 'crisis'

If we're to believe what we're told, Australia's apprenticeship system is in crisis, with plunging numbers following cuts in government support.

• by Ross Gittins

Treasurer, you're relieved until I fix this mess

Have a break. With the help of some of your best bureaucrats, I've got it from here.

• by Scott Phillips

Hope yet for economy despite dark days

There is still good reason to expect wages growth will pick up.

• by Jessica Irvine

Google memo 'deeply biased', but gender inequality is systemic: EY's Uschi Schreiber

The Google memo was "deeply biased" says EY's Uschi Schreiber but there's more systemic issues on gender inequality.

• by Nassim Khadem

Home sales and prices pick up pace

House prices rose across most capitals in the past week and the number of auctions resulting in a sale continued to climb.

Unemployment falls to 5.6 per cent in July

The average number of workers being employed every six months has had its strongest run in seven years.

• by Eryk Bagshaw

Housing affordability: 6000 homes removed from rental market as landlords turn to Airbnb

New data suggests landlords favour Airbnb-type rentals over long-term tenants, but the home-sharing website's impact on housing affordability remains contentious.

• by Andrew Taylor