Economy

A week after the federal budget, the government has revealed it will spend more than $3 billion to bolster Australia’s oil refining capacity, and a further $600 million to build a gas plant in the Hunter Valley.

As yet another funding fight looms for the national broadcaster, the government has appointed three new members to the ABC board.

Sweeping new laws that could strip charities of their non-profit status for minor offences are intended to stifle protest, the sector warns.

Refugees who have waited for years to have their cases for asylum heard are now being rushed through a new system that critics say erodes due process.

Star Entertainment Group has upped the stakes in the takeover battle for the troubled Crown Resorts, launching an unsolicited merger bid that, if successful, would create a $12 billion gambling behemoth.

Australia’s international rankings in science, maths and reading have dropped, but while politicians claim to be funding education adequately, critics point out that the money is being directed to all the wrong places.

As the government concedes Australia’s borders can’t reopen until mid-2022, concern is growing about damage to our reputation internationally.

The budget surprised many as the treasurer shrugged off long-held fears of spending and deficits, which may be the result of consultation with some unexpected advisers.

While the government works to reform the disability insurance agency and restart welfare debt collections, management consultancy McKinsey has amassed significant influence.

Clive Palmer is running a multimillion-dollar campaign against the corporate regulator. The only question is: What does he hope to achieve?