Australian economy
So what is Albonomics, and what will it mean for Australia?
When he came to power, the prime minister’s economic priorities were hard to discern. Two years on, his vision is clear.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
Opinion
Federal budget
Chalmers has navigated a steady course. But can he nail a tricky landing?
Like a pilot negotiating fierce crosswinds, Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ dexterity will be judged on whether the economic landing is soft or hard.
- by Peter Hartcher
Analysis
Population
Chalmers wakes the baby debate the country needs
Jim Chalmers is not planning a fertility police squad in next week’s budget, but his comments on the birth rate go to an issue the world needs to debate.
- by Shane Wright
Opinion
GDP
The economy’s just the means to an end. So, are we getting our money’s worth?
Our materialism puts us on a “hedonic treadmill”. We think buying a bit more stuff will make us happier and, at first, it does. But pretty soon the thrill wears off.
- by Ross Gittins
Updated
Interest rates
RBA inflation outlook ups pressure on Chalmers ahead of budget
The Reserve Bank revealed it expects price pressures to grow through the rest of the year, which may require another lift in official interest rates.
- by Rachel Clun and Shane Wright
Five things to know about the Australian economy
Here are the key takeaways on the economy from the Reserve Bank’s latest monetary policy statement.
- by Rachel Clun
No scorched earth: Chalmers promises budget spending as economy slows
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is poised to deliver a second successive budget surplus, but deficits in coming years to support the economy.
- by Shane Wright
An extra $25 billion not enough to guarantee more budget surpluses
Jim Chalmers will deliver his third budget on May 14. Extra tax, which has bolstered the past two budgets, won’t be enough to offset extra spending.
- by Shane Wright
Exclusive
Inflation
Businesses struggle as cash-strapped customers dump spending plans
The cost-of-living crisis that is hitting consumers is now being felt by small and medium-sized businesses as shoppers try to make savings.
- by Shane Wright
Exclusive
Federal budget
$50b clawed back from waste and rorts not enough to solve ‘truly wicked problem’
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher’s spending audit has found $50 billion in savings and redirected spending over the last two budgets. Economists say more needs to be done.
- by Rachel Clun
Home buyers’ inflation pain almost double the official rate
When the ABS factored interest rates into its cost-of-living index, working people paying off mortgages endured the worst inflation.
- by Shane Wright