Farmers eye yield gains as fertiliser, fuel costs surge
Farmers are choosing to skip laying down fertiliser for a year as costs rise, but are still willing to spend on seeds and crop-protection products, the nation’s main supplier says.…
Cheesed off: Aussie dairy at centre of trade quandary
Are Australian cheesemakers copping stiff cheddar under trade terms with the European Union, or is it actually a gouda deal? Cheese became the unexpected focus of a 20-minute debate in…
Electric-ready homes could stop default swaps to gas
More should be done to prepare households to upgrade to electric appliances and stop defaults to like-for-like gas replacements when these systems conk out, according to an energy researcher. Michael…
Budget hysteria. The Murdochification of Nine’s papers in full swing
The media campaign against the Federal Budget is unprecedented, not for its vehemence but it’s uniformity across Murdoch and Nine Entertainment organs. Michael Pascoe fears for the future. Peter Tonagh,…
‘Negligent’ ex-Star boss could be hit with $1.3m fine
Star’s ex-boss has shown no remorse after failing to disclose possible criminal risks of overseas junkets which drew billions of dollars into the casino, a court has been told. Former…
Employment changes ‘Groundhog Day’ for jobseekers
People looking for a job will be continually punished despite looming changes to employment services, advocates claim. Workplace Minister Amanda Rishworth will outline a shake-up of employment services in a…
The $180m bill to calculate the Inland Rail blow-out
Consultant firms were paid almost $180 million to estimate the bloated Inland Rail budget, while a departing executive got $317,000 soon before half the freight route was scrapped. The federal…
Aussie shares edge higher as April inflation eases
Australia’s share market has shrugged off an early wobble after April inflation came in cooler than expected, rising the odds the Reserve Bank will hold rather hike the interest rate…
Liquor firm cuts back on wine to focus on pubs growth
The owner of two of the nation’s best-known bottleshop chains is about to undergo major changes under its new leader to improve performance and attract more “energetic socialisers”. Endeavour Group,…
‘For us, by us’: Indigenous plea for truth-telling
Travis Lovett has arrived at Parliament House with a plea from his Aboriginal elders. “I have walked my part of the road. Now I ask this country to walk the…