Extending the life of old solar panels so they can power into the future
Up until now, Australia’s rapid uptake of solar panels has created a looming waste problem, with most solar photovoltaic (PV) panels being directed to landfill at the end of their life. However, University of South Australia researchers have identified ways to overcome barriers to safely and profitably to extend the life of solar panels and […]
Hopes of further base interest rate reduction this year fade as the reserve bank board holds the base rate at 3.60%
A unanimous decision by the Reserve Bank Board sees the base cash rate still sitting at 3.60%, the same as it was in August 2025 when the base rate was reduced from 3.85% by 0.25%, the third interest rate cut of 2025. The last time the base rate was 3.60% was in April 2023. In […]
000 service outage prompts Nationals to call for Universal Service Obligation reform for mobile phone coverage
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is reiterating calls to reform the Universal Service Obligation (USO), following another major mobile phone outage. Mr Littleproud said the latest Optus outage showed the vulnerability of the 000 service if a mobile phone tower goes down and the service does not divert to another provider’s tower. “In regional […]
CPA Australia implies final Budget outcome masks structural tax problems
Today’s Final Budget Outcome 2024-25 shows Australia’s fiscal position has improved compared with earlier forecasts. However, the largest accounting body, CPA Australia, remains concerned over the nation’s over-reliance on a shrinking pool of taxpayers and persistent expected deficits over the next decade. The figures show that the $10 billion underlying cash deficit is less than […]
Wave of insurer acquisitions threatens competition and consumer choice according to MTAA
The Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) has applauded the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for recognising the risks of consolidation in the motor insurance market but warned that allowing IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance (RACI) in Western Australia would entrench a damaging trend, leaving motorists worse off. Already this year, the ACCC […]
Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia according to AIHW
Farming families that want to stay on the land for as long as possible should take notice of a report released at the start of Dementia Action Week, 15 to 21 September, that has confirmed Dementia is now the leading cause of death for Australians. Once, affected patients were simply seen affectionately as “silly old […]
Applications open for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Women with bold ideas and a drive to create positive change in rural and regional Australia are invited to apply for the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. Applications close on Friday 7 November 2025 for all states, with Northern Territory applicants closing on Friday 30 January 2026. Apply here. Now in its 25th year, the […]
Business Connect is being axed by the NSW Government and several digital service suppliers are up in arms
The NSW Government plans to axe Business Connect on 30 September 2025, and if it goes ahead, will be the end of the $10 million program that according to UR Digital, delivers up to a 3:1 return on investment for the small business sector, which contributes $535 billion a year to the NSW economy. “The […]
Milk production in Australia set for continued decline while global supply surges according to Rabobank
In newly-released research, Rabobank says local milk production is set to fall again in the current season, as ongoing feed shortages and a smaller milking herd in drought-affected areas continue to impact. This comes as global milk supply surges, with production increasing across other key dairy-exporting regions across the world. In its Quarter 3 Global Dairy […]
CPA Australia calls for clearer product naming and marketing rules and suggests you check if your current investments are safe
Following the ASIC investigation into the management and operation of the First Guardian Master Fund, a managed investment scheme where it is understood around 6,000 investors have been exposed to heavy losses collectively worth more than $1 billion. Our largest accounting body, CPA Australia, is calling for stricter rules to govern the naming and marketing […]