CFMEU administrator says union’s woes ‘worse than reported’
Two weeks after taking on what he calls the toughest job of his life, Mark Irving says he will target both unionists and bosses who have crossed the line.
The brutal retail politics behind the inflation fight
Relations between the Albanese government and the Reserve Bank of Australia are at an unprecedented low. Only one thing will ease the tension.
- Exclusive
- Federal election
Lift RBA target band, Costello dares Chalmers
Peter Costello has challenged Labor to raise the RBA’s target band for inflation rather than attack the bank over monetary policy, after Wayne Swan’s accusations.
Inside Project Amidala: AirTrunk’s $24b deal
Four years ago, Blackstone missed its chance to buy up the data centre giant. It wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice, even if it cost $24 billion.
- Updated
- Courts
Westpac allegedly bullied ‘troublemaker’ staffer who raised RAMS fraud
The bank’s head of audit and risk also alleges that executives sidelined her. The prudential and corporate regulators are investigating.
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Australia’s China problem is bigger than we think
Look past the renewed pressure on iron ore prices. China needs radical surgery that its leaders appear reluctant to deliver. A prolonged period of pain looks likely.
Labor shift over crackdown on tax agents
The new stance was announced after a meeting between Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and a coalition of 10 professional associations.
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review
Learning to live with 50 degree temperatures
From Dubai to Mumbai, cities are having to adapt to hotter summers, often exacerbating economic inequality in the process.
Trump courts the ‘bro vote’, which could just swing the election
A constellation of YouTubers, pranksters and streamers is helping Donald Trump win his frat-boy flank – 18-to-29-year-olds who Republicans believe may just win them the poll.
- Analysis
- World politics
No one is talking about the world’s worst humanitarian crisis
Sudan’s catastrophic war could kill millions and spread chaos across Africa and the Middle East as huge numbers of refugees flee the country.
This poker pro wants to teach you how to be a better gambler
Nate Silver’s account of the gaming industry can be read as a useful manual for aspiring card sharps and professional sports gamblers, but it doubles as an indictment.
- Opinion
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The 5 things university students should be protesting about
Here are some alternative focal points for outrage and protest, particularly for morally energetic university students.
The best of travel, fashion, cars and more, straight to your inbox every Saturday.
Companies
ASX-listed gold miner places near $100 million bet on African project
Australia’s largest African-focused gold miner has increased its bet on a Guinean project, giving the company the option to lob a takeover.
CFMEU official used super fund money to help union, alleges APRA
Legal action has started against Michael O’Connor, who is accused of knowing a First Super staffer was also performing work for his labour organisation.
Athlete star power drives 600pc rise in undies company’s share price
Step One, a bamboo underwear producer for “bigger blokes”, had a difficult start on the ASX, but a new women’s fitness range has reversed the slump.
Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison is Network Ten’s new owner
New documents reveal the billionaire will control 77.5 per cent of Network Ten’s ultimate owner. But this does not end the uncertainty for the home of MasterChef.
Why you pay $5.08 for a $5 coffee
The notoriously complex area of retail payment costs is in the political spotlight, and set to force a response from the central bank. Here’s how it works.
Inside Project Amidala: AirTrunk’s $24b deal
Four years ago, Blackstone missed its chance to buy up the data centre giant. It wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice, even if it cost $24 billion.
Melbourne Football Club president quits amid Petracca saga
Kate Roffey has quit the board, just a week after she was heavily criticised for a radio interview about disgruntled Demons superstar Christian Petracca.
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Markets
Earnings season surprises shake up ASX short sellers
Fortescue, Woodside Energy and Pro Medicus have topped the list of companies being bet against as hedge funds rework their strategies after reporting season.
ASX gains as CBA rallies; Woodside, BHP down
Shares advance; Wall Street mixed ahead of August jobs report; Woodside sells $US2 billion of bonds to help fund acquisitions; iron ore extends decline. Follow updates here.
Markets brace for more bad news on US economy
Traders have ramped up bets on rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
What happened overnight? The S&P 500 dropped as jobs data loomed
Australian shares were set to edge up, reversing earlier losses. US equities were mixed as the debate over how much the Fed should cut rates this month raged.
Copper’s mega-bulls are ‘throwing in the towel’
Once hailed as the decade’s best commodity bet, investors are being forced to temper their expectations following a near 20 per cent slump in prices.
Opinion
Brawls over RBA and ASIO as election season starts
Three institutions – the central bank, the security service, and the national census – all became political footballs this week.
Columnist
Chalmers must back the central bank he shaped
The RBA cannot fix inflation as fast as a now big-spending government wants. But the treasurer must be wary of damage to the central bank’s credibility.
Editorial
Is private credit becoming the next subprime crisis?
Investors need to consider whether they are getting sufficient additional returns for the risks that debts issued by unregulated non-bank lenders present.
Columnist
Who decides on the fair price of an Oasis ticket?
Outrage over computer-driven ticket prices to see a legendary band has left music fans and the British government in a muddle.
Business columnist
Just maybe, the worm has started to turn on the cost of living
The short-lived census row has sharply reminded the government that it cannot take its eye off the economic ball now.
Political editor
Harris sees a different world from Biden
Joe Biden was a foreign policy veteran, and Kamala Harris is a novice who has impressed quickly. But in age and instinct, her view of the world will be different.
Geostrategist
Reports
Clean Energy - the bumpy transition
This special report looks at how Australia is tracking to meet net zero goals, and the new technology that can help us get there.
Politics
- Exclusive
- Defence
Faulty $1.2b navy ships out of action until 2025
Engineers are still trying to determine root causes of engine and drivetrain issues that have stopped the navy from being able to refuel warships at sea.
Bugger off, Brookfield: Insurers hit back at private hospital chain
The increasingly bitter feud between insurers and private health operators is getting personal.
Jewish uni students ‘shunned and told to study at home’
Interviews with dozens of students and academics has uncovered a disturbing picture of the ostracism, intimidation and vilification Jews and Israelis encounter.
‘Vile violence’ against women faces $4.7b crackdown
States and territories will review information-sharing systems and alcohol laws under an agreement for urgent action.
Setka did not trespass on building site: police
Police clear the former CFMEU leader of any criminal offence; Angus Taylor says Wayne Swan RBA comments “disgraceful”; Mark Dreyfus says $3.9 billion for frontline legal services “critical”. Follow live updates.
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World
- Analysis
- US election
Even Putin jumps on the Harris bandwagon
The momentum behind Kamala Harris’s popularity is starting to taper off, but she is still gaining some big-name, if unusual, fans.
Macron turns to veteran Brexit hardman as French PM
The French president, boxed in by the parliamentary deadlock he created via a snap election in June, has named 73-year-old Michel Barnier as prime minister.
Trump vows 15pc corporate tax, taps Musk
The Republican nominee for president also said, if elected, he would create a sovereign wealth fund for the US to invest in “great national endeavours”.
Trump, Harris are spending $25m a week. They’re just getting started
The two candidates’ campaigns are spending their war chests on everything from social media adverts to lawn signs. But a multi-million dollar blitz is still to come.
Trump will hit clean energy and any nation linked with Asia
If Donald Trump wins the White House, investors should be prepared for a drop in climate change investments and worse US relations with the world, his former adviser says.
Property
Why Chris Lucas’ new top-end Melbourne venue won’t be a private club
The city’s restaurant king reveals his $45 million plan for a four-level venue known as Batard at the top end of Bourke Street.
- Exclusive
- Luxury property
Resort-style home linked to alleged fraudster hits market
The price guide of $16 million makes it the most expensive home on the NSW Central Coast.
- Exclusive
- Luxury property
Power couple offer $20m villa on coveted strip
Former JPMorgan MD Annabelle Mooney and her husband, Novotech CFO Rob Speedie, have listed their grand – and storied – Centennial Park estate.
The green renovations that could make you $100k
The potential to save thousands of dollars and add value to homes is enticing more households to install sustainable features when renovating.
Social housing offers 8-12pc infrastructure-like returns
As Australia grapples with how to channel institutional money into new housing, the $10b HAFF fund offers a way to invest that Australia hasn’t had before.
Wealth
Earning big money but still broke? It could be lifestyle creep
Routinely splurging on luxuries can leave even very high earners drowning in debt. Three ways to set yourself free.
What to do with a six-figure redundancy payout
Being made redundant can be emotionally and financially devastating if you weren’t expecting it. But large lump sum payouts also present an opportunity to reset your career and finances.
Help! I’m trapped in my legacy pension product
A reader with $4.3 million in superannuation wants to know how he can exit an outdated, market-linked pension.
Technology
Inside the Swedish lolly craze sweeping TikTok
The world has gone mad for Scandinavian confectionery, thanks to a viral social media post about the high-quality, low-sugar sweets.
Apple, Google, parents should stop kids using social media apps: Meta
The company behind Facebook and Instagram says Apple and Google and their app stores are better placed to prevent children joining social media.
- Opinion
- Digital Life
Google or Samsung, which folding phone is best?
Google’s folding Pixel phone has finally come to Australia, so we’ve put it head to head with the incumbent.
Work & Careers
PwC UK to track workers’ locations in office attendance crackdown
The big four firm will send British employees their monthly working location data as it toughens up on its hybrid working policy.
- Exclusive
- Accounting
Shake-up means you can become a chartered accountant without a degree
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is addressing the sector’s labour shortages by making it easier for people without a degree to become accountants.
Life & Luxury
Developer to display Baker’s music trove after paying $314k
Amateur drummer Paul Lambess has already rejected requests to sell parts of journalist Glenn A. Baker’s 80,000 records and CDs.
How to start your own book club
So, you and a couple of your friends have embarked upon a quest to read more? Here’s how to get your book club up and running – and enduring.
- Opinion
- Music festivals
Who decides on the fair price of an Oasis ticket?
Outrage over computer-driven ticket prices to see a legendary band has left music fans and the British government in a muddle.
The watch that works with Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing
Tudor has a new collection for the America’s Cup, which blends the best of then and now in two Alinghi models.
Why men are joining book clubs
The world sleepwalked into a loneliness epidemic. Is the humble book club the remedy?
