Australian economy
Tight jobs market adds to pressure on Reserve Bank to accelerate rate rises
The number of people looking for a job or underemployed has dropped to its lowest level in 40 years as the unemployment rate remains steady at 3.9 per cent.
- by Rachel Clun
Latest
Opinion
Minimum wage
Yes, minimum wage rises can hurt jobs, but not this one
The only path to sustainable real wages growth is a sustained improvement in the productivity of our workforce.
- by Jessica Irvine
Explainer
Inflation
What’s stagflation, and what would it mean for you?
Big in the ’70s and ’80s, talk of stagflation has reared its head again. What is it, and are we heading for a new era of it?
- by Clancy Yeates
‘We’ll do what’s necessary’: RBA’s Lowe flags 7 per cent inflation, more rate hikes
Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe said in a rare interview that he expected inflation to exceed expectations, warning home buyers to brace for higher interest rates.
- by Rachel Clun
‘We have got to open up quickly’: Business leader Leigh Clifford warns of skills crisis
Former Qantas chairman and Rio Tinto chief executive Leigh Clifford has been made a companion of the Order of Australia. In receiving the honour, he added his voice to the many business leaders calling out for a boost to immigration.
- by Lachlan Abbott
Mortgage ‘cliff’ looming for home owners when fixed-rate loans end
Experts are warning borrowers who were able to lock in low, fixed mortgage rates early in the pandemic face a jump in repayments once their terms expire.
- by Rachel Clun
Opinion
Federal budget
Treasury boss’s quiet message: Higher taxes are the cure for our budget blues
Election campaigns are full of all the wonderful things the politicians want to do to improve the services we get and reduce the taxes we pay. It’s after the election that pollies present the bill.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Opinion
Tax reform would be legacy for the PM, but would come at a cost
Anthony Albanese won office by making himself a small target. If he follows the advice of the Treasury secretary, the government will soon become a big target.
- by Michelle Grattan
Editorial
Inflation
It’s not easy but new treasurer must come up with some solution to nation’s problems
Labor is now in government, not in opposition. It cannot merely point out the nation’s problems, it has to find solutions too.
- The Herald's View
Sketch
Inflation
The dizzying rise of the iceberg lettuce to star of the society banquet
The humble iceberg, once scorned by society chefs, suddenly vaults to a place among the elite of luxury foods.
- by Tony Wright
Opinion
Opinion
A major chance for renewal - if Labor can sell it
The Coalition has left Labor with a huge challenge - and an opportunity to convince voters that renewable energy is cheaper.
- by Chris Wallace