The chief executive of Australia Post has been ordered to stand aside as Scott Morrison orders an independent investigation into the organisation spending $12,000 on gifts of designer watches for bosses who stitched up a deal with big banks. The Prime Minister blasted the spending decision as “disgraceful”, the latest scandal to prompt outrage at the embattled organisation’s spending. Already …

The government’s flailing strategy for dealing with China could cost the Australian economy more than $20 billion a year – a figure that could blow out even more if the government fails to adopt a different approach. In the past week, Chinese customers have deferred orders for Australian coal amid reports China is suspending Australian coal imports for the foreseeable …

The job market has been through big upheavals in 2020 – and that’s impacted which industries have the most demand for new workers. Huge pressure on the healthcare system and a growth in parcel delivery during COVID-19 are two key factors shaping the most-needed roles in Australia right now. Here’s a snapshot of the top 20 most-needed roles, plus what …

Labor has claimed victory in the ACT election, poised to govern in minority again with a resurgent Greens party. The expected victory means Labor will notch up 23 years in office by the end of the coming term. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, the second-longest serving political leader in the country, told supporters the year 2020 had pressed the city …

Jacinda Ardern has won a historic victory in the New Zealand election, securing a thumping mandate and a likely parliamentary majority that may well see her Labour Party govern in its own right. With 98 per cent of party votes counted, Labour had won 49 per cent of the vote, putting it on track to be the biggest single-party haul …

It’s the news Victorians have been waiting for: residents in lockdown can get out of home and take the next step towards life as normal. Well, COVID-19 normal. Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday morning “significant” easing of restrictions for the state from Monday, including an end to lockdown for Melburnians, as well as another slate of changes to come in on …

A love affair that rocked politics to its core and blindsided the entire nation was known for “some time” by the estranged wife of Daryl Maguire. A love affair that rocked politics to its core yesterday blindsided the entire nation, but it was known for “some time” by the estranged wife of NSW Liberal MP Daryl Maguire. In a day …

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the easing of social-distancing restrictions on outdoor dining and events on the same day the state recorded seven new locally acquired coronavirus infections. Ms Berejiklian said businesses using an electronic QR code to maintain customer records will be allowed one patron for every 2 square metres in outdoor areas from Friday. “While we are …

US President Donald Trump was raring to get back to work, just days after contracting coronavirus. Some of his enthusiasm may be driven by an uncomfortable realisation that he may be heading for a decisive election defeat. Currency markets are now pointing to precisely that outcome — a turnaround in just a few weeks. Last month the price of derivatives …

Australia’s trade minister is investigating reports China has suspended lucrative imports of Australian coal. Chinese steel mills and power plants have reportedly been told to stop using Australian coking and thermal coal. State-owned ports have apparently been ordered not to offload shipments. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham confirmed there had been some disruptions to Australian shipments of coal into China, but …