Australian economy Stories - Page 2

Australian Stories

Australian economy stories

Australian inflation eases, but RBA tightening looms

Fuel costs have pushed headline prices higher again, leaving the Reserve Bank of Australia under pressure to raise interest rates despite softer underlying inflation.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

CDR reforms could add AUD $1.2 billion, study says

Easier consent and wider bank access could lift Consumer Data Right use to more than 18 million Australians by 2035, the modelling says.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Australia scam losses rise as reports fall in 2025

Fewer Australian scam reports still cost victims more in 2025, with total losses climbing to AUD $295.4 million and phishing damage surging.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month

Smart Cities

Australia data centre forecast flags phantom demand

Forecasts may overstate Australia’s data centre build-out unless early-stage projects secure finance, approvals and power connections.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month

Digital Transformation

Australian builders warn over data ownership control

Rising software costs and tighter scrutiny are pushing Australian builders to prioritise control of project data over collaboration features.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month

Digital Transformation

Work-life balance trumps pay for construction staff

Flexibility is emerging as a bigger draw than pay in construction and engineering, as firms battle shortages and retention pressures.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last month

Fintech

Ant International launches PayTo service for Australian SMEs

Australian exporters gain a real-time cash-flow boost as PayTo lets them top up World Accounts instantly, even on holidays.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month

Data Protection

FinTech Australia names Finnies finalists for 10th year

The shortlist comes as the sector weighs new rules on payments, scams and data rights, with 160 finalists vying across 22 categories.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month

Risk & Compliance

CommBank barometer shows high FX hedging among firms

Geopolitical turmoil has pushed Australian firms to lock in currency cover, with exporters hedging 86 per cent of exposure and importers 80 per cent.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Last month

Data Analytics

MYOB says AI-using SMEs are growing 2.8 times faster

AI adoption is widening a gap among Australian SMEs, with users growing 2.8 times faster and many others still holding back.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Last month

Marketing

Australian small business owners face succession cliff

Many firms could struggle to survive owners’ retirement, as most lack a documented handover plan and depend on the founder’s reputation.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month

Human Capital Management

Australia employers tie pay & bonuses to office attendance

Employers are rewarding office presence with higher salaries and bonuses as hybrid staff risk falling behind on pay and progression.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Last month

Manufacturing

NAB says 42% of Aussie SMEs use AI to boost productivity

Nearly half of Australian SMEs still avoid AI, but uptake is rising as firms use it mainly to cut admin and save time.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Last month

Supply Chain

Australia energy shock raises insolvency risk for firms

Higher fuel and power costs are intensifying cash-flow strains for smaller firms, with CreditorWatch warning insolvencies may rise over 12 months.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Last month

Supply Chain

Late same-day freight lifts costs as fuel surcharges rise

Businesses are paying more for faster freight as fuel levies jumped and late same-day deliveries hit 30 per cent in Australia.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Partner Programmes

Australian confidence drops as fuel costs hit sentiment

Households and firms are facing renewed cost-of-living pressure, with petrol prices driving sentiment to levels last seen during the GFC and pandemic.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Last month