Economy

As the upper house this week backs an inquiry into raising Newstart, analysis shows it is Australian seniors who are most likely to be living on just $38 a day.

While a new report claims Australia’s private health system is in a ‘death spiral’, the crisis actually began with the introduction of Medicare in 1984.

Organised, connected and efficient, older voters have campaigned hard for concessions from the government and won time and again.

Sydney and Melbourne’s real estate boom, falling standards in oversight and a reticence to report flaws have combined to create a defects crisis in the cities’ residential apartments.

As attempts to restore water to the river basin fail to meet their targets, scientists warn irrigator subsidies may cost 10 times initial estimates.

Scott Morrison says there will be no cuts to health, education or services to pay for his tax package. The numbers tell a different story.

The latest figures suggest that house prices are rising once more. According to Reserve Bank research, zoning restrictions contribute to high prices – but planning experts disagree.

The government is adamant its proposed three-stage tax package be passed in its entirety or not at all – thus potentially denying a slowing economy some much-needed stimulus.

With the growing popularity of ethical investments, superannuation funds are lobbying companies to clean up their act. But some say the funds should focus squarely on maximising profits for their members.

As the government works to get its tax cuts through the upper house, Centre Alliance senators Rex Patrick and Stirling Griff have put a condition on their support, calling for adjustments to the domestic gas security mechanism.