Djamila Lazri

Djamila Lazri


Westpac Revises RBA Interest Rate Cut Forecast, Offering Potential $350 Relief for Homeowners

Westpac has revised its cash rate forecast, adding two more 0.25% cuts in 2026, potentially easing monthly mortgage repayments for homeowners.

RBA Reserve Bank of Australia

Disability Care Provider to Close Leaving Thousands in Need

Annecto, a major provider of aged and disability care services, will shut down in July after over 70 years of operation. More than 3000 Australians, including patients and employees, will…

Annecto Location

Centrelink Payments to Rise by 2.4% for Millions of Australians From July 1

Starting July 1, Centrelink recipients will see an increase in their payments as part of scheduled indexation. This adjustment aims to address the rising cost of living for millions of…

Centrelink

Millions of Australians Risk Missing Out on Insurance Refunds

Millions of Australians may be eligible for compensation due to mis-sold insurance policies, but a looming deadline of June 30, 2025, threatens to leave many without refunds.

Many Notes of Australian Currency on Wooden Surface Background

Over 10 Million Aussies to Receive $1500+ Tax Refund Starting July 1

More than 10 million Australians are expecting a tax refund starting July 1, providing vital financial support during challenging economic times.

Australian dollars

Why Cigarette Prices Remain High Despite Rising Black Market Concerns

Cigarette prices in Australia remain among the highest globally, with the government opting not to reduce tobacco excise taxes despite rising concerns over illegal sales.

Pack of cigarettes

ATO Flags Capital Gains Tax Focus for 2025: Aussies Warned to Declare Assets Properly

The ATO is monitoring property, shares, and cryptocurrency transactions to detect discrepancies in capital gains reporting, using expanded access to financial and ownership data.

Australian Tax Form with Pen and Australian Dollars on It. Taxation Company

Storms Sweep Through Western Australia Amid Weather Warnings

Thunderstorms bring large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornado sightings to southwestern Western Australia, with more severe weather expected in the coming days.

Satellite image of tropical cyclone

ATO Urges Caution as Millions Eye $1,519 Tax Refund Amid Rising Pressures

Over 10 million Australians are preparing to lodge their tax returns this year, with many anticipating refunds. The ATO encourages taxpayers to take their time to ensure accuracy and avoid…

ATO

Labor’s Super Tax Changes and Their Impact on Franking Credit Refunds

The Australian government is considering a Super Tax targeting superannuation accounts exceeding 3 million dollars, including new taxes on unrealised capital gains within these funds.

Superannuation written on a white piggy bank

Hundreds of CBA Commbank Customers Unable to Send Money Transfers or Pay People

Hundreds of CBA CommBank customers experienced a disruption on Friday that blocked money transfers and payments through the bank’s online and mobile platforms. The outage affected services like NetBank and…

CBA Commbank

ATO Puts Rich Aussies on Notice Over New Superannuation Tax

The proposed superannuation tax will double the rate on earnings above $3 million from 15% to 30%, impacting a small but growing number of Australians with high retirement savings. Defined…

Australian tax declaration and pen on wooden table

Financial Support for NSW Flood Victims

Residents on the New South Wales Mid North Coast affected by floods can access one-time payments and extended income support to help with recovery and essential needs.

Flood

NSW Floods Leave 10,000 Homes Damaged as Clean-Up Begins in Isolated Regions

Thousands remain displaced across NSW as emergency crews shift from rescue operations to damage assessments, marking the start of a long recovery process.

Floods in Australia

RBA Rate Cuts Offer Temporary Relief, but Inflation May Trigger Hikes Again

The RBA's recent decisions have sparked debate among analysts, with some viewing the rate cuts as a temporary measure amid evolving economic signals.

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)

Why Every Australian Needs to Be Worried About Labor’s New Superannuation Tax

A new superannuation tax plan is set to change retirement savings in Australia—what it means for you could be surprising.

Superannuation

Low-Cost Airlines Quietly Explore Standing Room Only Seating for 2026

Padded “perch seats” may soon replace traditional seating on budget flights under two hours, allowing more passengers onboard for a fraction of the cost.

In the cabin of the low-cost airline.

ATO Outlines Shift to ‘Assisted Assessment’ Model for Tax Returns

Australians with simple finances may soon skip the hassle of filing, as the ATO moves toward automatically pre-filled tax returns requiring only a quick confirmation.

Australian Currency on Wooden Background

Uncertainty Grows Over COVID-19 Vaccine Access in Australia Amid Us Regulatory Shift

Experts in Australia are questioning whether global shifts in vaccine policy, particularly from the US, could eventually affect how and when Australians receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Coronavirus Vaccine, COVID-19 Vaccine

Record Floods Leave Dairy Farmers Stranded Across New South Wales

Cattle stranded in rising waters, homes inundated, and vital feed supplies destroyed — NSW dairy farmers face a crisis with no quick recovery in sight.

Floods

NAB Sets Return-To-Office Mandate for 39,000 Employees

Employees at NAB reacted with shock and frustration after the bank announced a new return-to-office mandate, increasing required in-office days and signaling a shift away from flexible hybrid arrangements.

Modern open-plan office with empty workstations and bright lighting, highlighting workplace absence.

Coles Under Fire for Contradictory Plastic Messages Amid Rising Pollution Concerns

Critics argue that Coles promotes sustainability while continuing to rely heavily on plastic packaging, pointing to a gap between public messaging and in-store practices.

A Coles supermarket.

CBA Cuts 58 Jobs at Bankwest in Major Shift to Digital-Only Banking

Bankwest has taken another step in its digital transformation, cutting dozens of roles as part of broader structural changes led by parent company CBA. The move reflects a growing shift…

A Bankwest branch sign hanging from the ceiling

Australia’s Central Bank Cuts Rates, Signals Openness to Further Easing Amid Global Uncertainty

The Reserve Bank of Australia opted for a modest 25-basis-point rate cut after weighing more aggressive options, reflecting a strategic shift as global trade tensions and soft household spending challenge…

the exterior wall of the Reserve Bank of Australia building

Australian Government Supports Wage Hike for Low-Paid Workers

The federal government’s submission stops short of endorsing a specific figure but emphasizes the need for a meaningful wage increase to help low-paid workers keep pace with the broader economic…

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers stands in front of a national flag during a government press conference

Qantas Resumes International Flights From Adelaide With New Seasonal Route to Auckland

Premier international route in over a decade, Qantas' new Adelaide–Auckland service signals a cautious return to global operations, with limited details on future plans.

Qantas Boeing 747-400 Flying

Australia Unlikely to Hit 2030 Renewables Target, Report Warns

Delays in clean energy projects are casting doubt on Australia’s ability to meet its target renewables commitment, sparking political and economic debate.

The renewable energy

Proposal to Fine Parents for Online Defamation of Teachers Sparks Debate in Victoria

Frank Handy warns that rising parental anxiety is fueling online abuse against educators, calling for financial penalties to protect teachers from reputational harm.

Teacher teaching students

CBA Under Fire After Customer Told to Justify Holding Cash at Home

CBA’s request for detailed financial information, including questions about home cash storage, has drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns about the reach of banking compliance measures.

A Commonwealth Bank branch

Fitch Joins S&P in Warning Over Australia’s AAA Credit Rating

Fitch has joined S&P Global in signaling that Australia’s top-tier credit status may face future strain. Both agencies warn that rising debt and prolonged deficits could undermine long-term fiscal stability.

The facade of a modern office building prominently displaying the S&P Global logo

Trump’s Medicine Pricing Plan Raises Concerns for Australia and US Manufacturing

Donald Trump’s push to match U.S. drug prices with the world’s lowest has reignited global debate on pharmaceutical equity. Experts caution the plan may shift financial pressure onto other countries…

Prescription medications, pharmaceutical industry concept

Jetstar Turns 21 With Major Fare Sale Starting From $33

Jetstar celebrates its 21st anniversary with a major sale, offering over 225,000 discounted fares starting from just $33.

Jetstar All Day, Every Day, Low Fares.

Young Australians Projected to Retire With $3 Million in Super Under New Modelling

Most young Australians may unknowingly be on track to exceed the proposed super tax threshold. A quiet shift in retirement modelling could affect far more workers than expected.

Australian dollars

Australia’s Housing Market: Can House Prices Fall Safely?

Falling housing prices may seem risky, but experts say they could improve long-term affordability. Eliza Owen argues that stable lending and past gains can cushion the impact.

Map of Australia with housing icons

Qantas Introduces Free Wi-Fi on Select International Routes to Asia

Qantas is enhancing its in-flight experience by offering free Wi-Fi on select international routes to Asia, closing the gap with global competitors.

A Qantas Boeing 787 taxiing at an airport

Fixed Rates Drop As Lenders Brace for RBA Rate Cut

Lenders are cutting fixed and variable home loan rates as the RBA prepares for a potential rate cut in May. These changes reflect growing market anticipation of a shift in…

RBA ( Reserve bank of australia )

ATO Issues Urgent Checklist for 9 Million Aussies Claiming $3,000 Expenses

The ATO warns that incorrect work-related expense claims remain one of the most common mistakes during tax season. Accurate records and careful checks are essential to avoid penalties.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) signage outside a government building

Cashless Shift Reshapes Australian Banking Landscape

Australia’s move towards cashless banking is reshaping everyday transactions. Traditional branches are evolving to meet the growing demand for digital services.

A customer uses a smartphone to complete a cashless banking transaction.

Australia Faces Seventy-Year Wait for Affordable Housing, New Study Warns

Affordable housing remains a distant goal for millions of Australians, despite government incentives. Without major reforms, ownership dreams could slip further away over the coming decades.

Australian Housing

May Rate Cut Nearly Certain, According to Commonwealth Bank Forecasts

Commonwealth Bank forecasts a significant inflation drop, which could lead to a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Analysts believe this shift aligns with the broader economic outlook…

a modern office building with the Commonwealth Bank logo

Dutton Pledges to Increase Australia’s Defense Spending to 3% of GDP Within a Decade

Peter Dutton has committed to significantly increasing Australia's defense spending, aiming for 3% of GDP within a decade. He stresses that this boost is essential to counter rising global security…

Peter Dutton, the Australian Opposition Leader

Cost of Living Emerges as the Top Priority for Voters Ahead of the 2025 Australian Federal Election

Cost of living has become the dominant issue for Australian voters, with rising housing and grocery prices at the forefront of concerns. Economic challenges are reshaping the 2025 federal election…

Supermarket Blurred Background

Coalition Pledges Tax Offsets to Boost Small Business Sector

The plan introduces targeted tax offsets to support early-stage ventures. It reflects the Coalition’s focus on strengthening small businesses nationwide.

Peter Dutton

Easter Chocolate Prices Remain High Despite Falling Global Cocoa Costs

Easter chocolate prices have surged across Australia, driven by past supply shocks and trade disruptions. Consumers are feeling the squeeze as Easter chocolate prices remain high despite improved global forecasts.

Easter Chocolate

ATO Updates Fixed Rate Method for Remote Work Deductions

Remote workers can now claim more on their tax returns under the ATO’s revised fixed rate method. The update reflects rising household costs linked to working from home.

Australian Taxation Office ( ATO )

Adelaide Joins Million-Dollar Club as Australian Housing Growth Slows

Adelaide’s property market continues to defy national trends, with both house and unit prices rising steadily. The city now stands out as one of the few capitals showing consistent growth…

Adelaide

Tax on Dining Out: Surcharge Spikes Set to Hit Aussies’ Back Pocket

The rising surcharges are expected to significantly impact dining out costs, with Australians set to spend millions more over the long weekend. Public holidays are driving up prices at cafes,…

Dining Out

Western Sydney University to Cut Hundreds of Jobs Amid Financial Struggles

Western Sydney University is set to cut 300-400 jobs as part of a strategy to address a $79 million deficit by 2026. The financial challenges stem from declining student numbers,…

Western Sydney University

Adelaide Braces for More Rain Than All Year This Easter Long Weekend

Adelaide is set to experience an unusually wet Easter weekend, with more rain predicted than the city has seen all year. This long weekend could bring up to 19mm of…

pedestrians crossing a street in the rain

Coles Recalls Two Beer Products Due to Chemical Contamination

Coles has issued a recall on certain products due to safety concerns, urging customers to return the affected items for a full refund.

a Coles store with a product recall notice displayed
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