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Economics

Productivity problem a long-term trend: PC

ELIZA BAVIN  |  THURSDAY, 27 MAR 2025
Australia's productivity continued to stagnate in the December quarter, suggesting the problem may be part of a long-term trend.

Inflation slows, but for how long?

ELIZA BAVIN  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 MAR 2025
Monthly CPI data shows inflation grew at 2.4% in the 12 months to February - down from 2.5% the prior month - but the Federal Budget could derail things.

Labor accelerates defence spending

KARREN VERGARA  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
The defence portfolio will grow to $57.6 billion over the next decade as the Albanese government tightens national and economic security amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Chalmers boosts Help to Buy scheme, construction sector

KARREN VERGARA  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will boost the Help to Buy scheme and revive the drooping housing construction sector in a bid to build more homes faster and tackle housing unaffordability.

Green technology, clean energy receive Budget boost

MATTHEW WAI  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
Aligned with the Future Made in Australia agenda, the government is continuing to invest billions into green technologies and the energy transition.

Budget deficit to balloon to $42.1bn

ELIZA BAVIN  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
The Federal Budget was centered around cost-of-living relief, healthcare, tax cuts, boosting competition and productivity, and easing student debt - but it all comes at a cost.

New tax cuts for every Australian 'a complete joke': UNSW

ANDREW MCKEAN  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has kicked off the 2025-26 Federal Budget by declaring that cost-of-living pressures are "front and centre," unveiling two surprise tax cuts for all Australian taxpayers.

Chalmers' warning on tariffs and trade wars

ELIZA BAVIN  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
The Treasurer made a point of mentioning the threat of tariffs and trade wars on the Australian economy when unveiling the Federal Budget tonight.

Government makes record commitment to Medicare

MATTHEW WAI  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
Handing down the Federal Budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government is reducing all prescriptions available through the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS), as well as investing a "record" $7.9 billion in Medicare to lift bulk billing rates.

Non-compete, restraint clauses to be outlawed

JAMIE WILLIAMSON  |  TUESDAY, 25 MAR 2025
From 2027, employers will no longer be able to impose non-compete clauses on employees earning less than $175,000. They will also not be able to exploit loopholes that block staff from joining competitors.