Latest
The barrage of risks facing Australian superannuation in 2026
Australian Retirement Trust expects the RBA to hike rates in late 2026 as global “sticky inflation” becomes the new economic reality. But that’s not the only threat.
China plies Vanuatu with gifts to foil Australian security deal
China has stepped up attempts to counter Australia’s efforts to lock it out of the Pacific by working to build goodwill in island countries.
The simple reason the experience economy is booming
In a world where more people have more money than ever, modern consumers are choosing to buy memories and social connection instead of yet more stuff.
‘One reform at a time’: Chris Bowen’s ambitious policy plan
At a difficult moment for Labor’s green transition, Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has expanded his responsibilities. Will it come back to bite him?
Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
Losses caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred were about $US1.2 billion ($1.8 billion), making it one of the world’s most economically catastrophic disasters.
‘Tax Grinch’: The secret to saving 10pc on your Christmas lunch
Glazed ham, pavlova and Christmas pudding are all festive staples at a traditional Australian Christmas lunch. But do you know which are taxed?
Opinion & Analysis
Fix the electricity system in 2026 by returning to first principles
Electricity is not a policy construct. It is physics – and the physics have not changed since Michael Faraday and the steam engine.
Economist
Stop tinkering, start serious tax reform in 2026
If the PM and treasurer want to be remembered for leading Australia’s next reforming government, their New Year’s resolutions should include tackling tax reform.
Economist
Can you beat our experts’ 21 predictions for 2026?
Financial Review writers share their predictions for the new year – from artificial intelligence and interest rate rises to Donald Trump’s peace prize chances.
Politicians must call out Islamism to fight antisemitism
If the response to Bondi is to be meaningful, the outcome must be to better protect Jewish people by upping vigilance against Islamist terrorism.
Editorial
Yesterday
Fix the electricity system in 2026 by returning to first principles
Electricity is not a policy construct. It is physics – and the physics have not changed since Michael Faraday and the steam engine.
December 2025
Stop tinkering, start serious tax reform in 2026
If the PM and treasurer want to be remembered for leading Australia’s next reforming government, their New Year’s resolutions should include tackling tax reform.
Can you beat our experts’ 21 predictions for 2026?
Financial Review writers share their predictions for the new year – from artificial intelligence and interest rate rises to Donald Trump’s peace prize chances.
RBA board losing confidence interest rates are slowing economy
Minutes from the Reserve Bank’s December meeting reveal board members are divided over whether financial settings are tight enough to curb persistent price growth.
‘No compromises’: Council to shut down Islamic preacher’s prayer hall
Council surveillance has revealed a notorious Sydney cleric never had approval to operate a controversial Islamic prayer hall in Sydney’s western suburbs.
Bondi terror accused recorded video condemning ‘Zionists’: police
Documents tendered in court allege accused gunman Naveed Akram and his father Sajid trained in regional NSW in October and visited Bondi two days before the shooting.
The battle to claim back Bondi
When Richard Hasten went to pick up his grandson’s pram from the scene of the massacre, it had bullet holes in it. For him and countless others, Bondi will never be the same.
Why Bullock cancelled the RBA Christmas party
Michele Bullock explains that while some staff members were not happy with the decision, she believes it was not right to hold a big Reserve Bank celebration.
Chook Awards and stocks to watch in 2026
James and Anthony wrap up the year with their annual awards and look ahead to what will be a huge year on markets with one of Australia’s top fund managers.
Carbon price on electricity would slash transition cost, says PC
The absence of such a mechanism is increasing the expense of Australia’s journey to net zero, the Productivity Commission has told Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Corporate tax shake-up could double economic gains: PC
The commission says the benefits from a shake up of the corporate tax system could be doubled if Chalmers relaxes his preference for it to cost the budget nothing.
Gold and AI boom deliver tax boost to Chalmers’ budget
Higher inflation and a turbocharged rally in gold and AI stocks provided a huge revenue lift, yet the nation remains on track for another decade of deficits.
‘Baffling’ state battery crackdown adds to transition delays
A suite of critical battery energy developments in Queensland could be hit by delays of up to 12 months under tough new planning laws.
AFP targets hate preachers as Albanese announces crackdown
Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett accuses hate preachers of sowing dissent, amid calls to shut down a Sydney Islamic centre linked to a notorious preacher.
Former Victorian auditor warns on federal bailout
The auditor who examined Victoria’s debt-laden finances during the 1990s warns the state appears on track for another bailout.
Tobacco tax take to dwindle to almost nothing
Forecasts for tobacco excise revenue have downgraded by $1.6 billion for the 2026 financial year and $8.2b over the four years to 2028-29.
Politicians must call out Islamism to fight antisemitism
If the response to Bondi is to be meaningful, the outcome must be to better protect Jewish people by upping vigilance against Islamist terrorism.
ASIO stretched by competing espionage and terror demands
Former officials say the spy agency’s monitoring of IS sympathisers after October 7 was diverted as it attempted to juggle other activities like counterespionage.
