Yesterday
Australia’s fuel crisis is just the first domino to fall
Rebuilding our lost sovereignty will require government to rein in profligate spending on industry losers and stop treating the budget as a bottomless well.
This Month
Full speed ahead on Qld’s Taroom Trough oil amid fuel security fears
Oil from 3 kilometres underground in south-east Queensland could flow to Ampol’s Brisbane refinery within two years, helping cut reliance on imports.
Canberra wants Tomago saved – just not all on its dime
Australia needs to avoid indulging in political slush funds dressed up as “industrial policy” and pivot towards a smarter, future-looking strategy.
Lightweight wheel maker Carbon Revolution falls into administration
The company employs 350 people at its Geelong plant, and had been listed on the ASX and Nasdaq. But falling demand for its products has created major strain.
Batteries, coal push out East Coast gas shortage to 2029
Delays in coal power station closures and a wave of battery storage projects have cut expected demand for gas, helping ease the imminent threat of a shortfall.
Hip pocket pain comes for shoppers – and for supermarket giants
Woolworths and Coles had hoped a year under fire – amid accusations of price gouging – would give way to easier times. A wave of price increases won’t help.
Tiny house maker Elsewhere Pods seeks cash after Bunnings debut
It is the third pre-fabricated buildings deal to cross Street Talk’s desk this year, as housing stock shortages and rising construction costs fuel sector growth.
Smelters v software: The high-voltage battle for votes and dollars
Would it be better to free up electricity from smelters to invest elsewhere? Or can we have both?
When it comes to smelter bailouts, being a ‘strategic’ asset helps
Boyne was the most logical aluminium smelter to save. The rationale for bailing out some of Australia’s other copper and aluminium plants is less sound.
Labor GST row threatens Tomago smelter bailout
The Albanese government is pushing NSW Premier Chris Minns to make a bigger contribution to its multibillion-dollar rescue package for the Tomago aluminium smelter.
Reece pushes 36pc price rise on plastic pipes in building cost shock
The bathroom and plumbing giant is one of several construction materials suppliers warning that the war in the Middle East is forcing big cost increases.
This steelworks says food waste can help ease the gas crunch
As it confronts the global oil shock, NSW Premier Chris Minns wants his state to become energy-independent. Businesses say a homegrown fuel fix exists and can help.
SGH appoints insider to lead Boral after Bansal-led transformation
Vik Bansal, who ran the concrete and asphalt division since late 2022, says he achieved everything he set out to do in getting the business into better shape.
A few bob more? The great ‘best and final’ vanishing act at BlueScope
If SGH and Steel Dynamics are not the answer, Bluescope’s investors will want them to find another one.
The $300m power play: Inside the plan to save Tomago
The Albanese government says its plan to save a failing aluminium smelter will turbocharge Australia’s energy transition. But at what cost?
Research and innovation at last has reached a tipping point in Australia
If the SERD report did nothing other than highlight the precarious state of Australia’s hard-won prosperity, it would still have performed a valuable service.
Sovereignty is the new black in a post-globalisation world
Rebuilding Australia’s lost sovereignty will take serious money, either through subsidy, strategic deregulation or regulatory incentives.
Fashion industry’s plan to add $4b spin to old yarn
While Australian makers cannot compete with fast fashion, experts say they can get back on the sheep’s back.
As gas prices spiked this local producer couldn’t find a buyer despite 66pc discount
Origin Energy’s Queensland LNG venture is offering gas to east coast buyers at about a third of the price currently prevailing in the global export market.
One dollar for a ghost: PE’s bargain is Australia’s failure
Dyno Nobel’s deal to sell its fertiliser plant in Queensland sends out a worrying signal for the future security of our food supply.
