Spending
Staff shortages threaten Andrews’ $9bn preschool overhaul
Workforce issues could hamper the state government from getting its early learning reforms off the ground.
- by Cara Waters, Adam Carey, Matilda Finn and Marta Pascual Juanola
Latest
Kindergarten to get a $9b overhaul, with more places and longer hours
The Andrews government has promised a multibillion-dollar reshaping of preschool and childcare in Victoria.
- by Annika Smethurst
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
Analysis
Interest rates
Jim Chalmers, Philip Lowe face interest rate and inflation reckoning
Voters might be prepared to give the new government some time to find its feet. But they won’t if they cannot afford to go out for dinner or buy extra clothes because interest rates are eating into their budgets.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
Opinion
You can save 22¢ a litre on petrol; Here’s how
There are many discounts to cut the price of fuel at the pump. Combining some of the best deals when you fill up can save you up to 20¢ a litre.
- by Joel Gibson
20 things you can do right now to fight the rising cost of living
Sometimes it seems like a hassle to save a few dollars here and a few dollars there. But all the evidence now suggests we are entering a very tough year for the cost of living in Australia.
- by Joel Gibson
Exclusive
Household debt
Buy-now-pay-later borrowers rake in cash as families feel financial pinch
Families borrowing from “subprime lenders” are loading up on buy-now-pay-later products and credit card debt just to cover their essentials.
- by Noel Towell
‘Running on empty’: Families struggling with petrol price hikes
Workers on lower incomes in Sydney’s suburbs and regional NSW are limiting car use and routinely running on empty to keep up with rising fuel costs.
- by Anna Patty
Opinion
Opinion
My 7 best tips to help you plan a stress-free holiday
It’s so important we all do take breaks to recharge, both for our mental and physical health. It also makes us better employees, bolstering your future income earning capacity.
- by Jessica Irvine
Opinion
Australia votes
Why fumbling federation has the PM in a state
Australia’s federal structure makes if difficult for any prime minister to claim the credit for state-delivered services. In a crisis, and we’ve had a few recently, that spells political trouble.
- by Ross Gittins
‘Rules are out the window’: Clothing sales are up as COVID-19 transforms office attire
Clothing sales are up as people prepare to return to the office, but COVID-19 has ensured workplace fashion will never be the same again.
- by Andrew Taylor