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"Capital city prices have increased substantially, making them less accessible for many buyers – in contrast, regional markets remain relatively affordable, which has kept demand metrics stronger there," Cameron Kusher, PropTrack's Director of Economic Research said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers dismissed Coalition's announcement as "not a serious policy proposal," but stopped short of ruling out matching the commitment once more details emerge.

The bank revealed on Monday that 14 branches will close between Feb. 7 and 27 in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria, in addition to the two closures already scheduled for next month.

For small businesses, success often comes down to balancing many different tasks, like managing customers, employees, and suppliers. Given the economic challenges over the past year, it's no surprise that many Australian SMBs have felt the pressure on their cash flow, according to Rebecca Warren, Executive General Manager of Small Business Banking at CBA.

Shorten, who is set to become vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra in February, denied that his early resignation was aimed at clearing the decks ahead of the election. "That is not the case," he said when asked about the timing.

Global disasters, like the devastating Californian wildfires, could also affect premiums in Australia.

With prices continuing to climb, some are turning their attention to the possibility of boosting local coffee production to cushion the market. However, industry insiders say that this will be a slow process.

In a TikTok video posted on Tuesday, Todd Springthorpe, managing director of UGG Since 1974, explained that the company had been sued by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a U.S.-based footwear giant.

Healthcare costs are becoming harder to bear, especially in Tasmania (AU$54.26), the ACT (AU$51.84), and NSW (AU$44.05), where out-of-pocket GP visit fees are among the highest in the country.

Since the introduction of the AU$60 weekly toll cap in January 2024, nearly AU$75 million has already been refunded to drivers.

Fast-food chains, like McDonald's, have also been impacted, with the popular breakfast menu trimmed back due to the shortage.

Downslope winds, which sweep over mountain ranges, are often dry, warm, and fast-moving, making fires spread quickly. In Australia, these winds have fueled fires into suburbs, and the same conditions exist in many areas.

AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver attributed the slowdown in the housing boom to high prices and limited housing supply.

Financial expert Rebecca Pike pointed out that salary sharing was a rising trend, especially among Gen Z, adding that social media had made it more common to discuss personal finances.

NAB Executive Chris Sheehan, a former Australian Federal Police officer, advised that while scammers were constantly evolving, there were some common red flags to watch out for, such as unexpected contacts, suspicious links, and poor grammar.

As TV sets continue to grow in size, this transparent design offers a solution to the problem of unsightly black screens dominating your wall when the TV is off.

Alice Raspin, a social media user, shared her thoughts on the issue, explaining that wages need to keep pace with inflation. Her post has since gone viral, garnering more than 200,000 views.

The U.S. stock market, particularly the exchange-traded funds (ETF) market, is growing rapidly, with a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 33%.

Five Australian nominees, including celebrated figures like Guy Pearce, Nicole Kidman, and Adam Elliot, were in the running at this year's Golden Globe Awards, but none were able to secure a win.

Under the Albanese government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), pollution benchmarks will be set for new vehicles, with manufacturers facing a tax of AU$100 for every gram of CO2 per kilometer their vehicles exceed the limit.

According to property data firm CoreLogic, prices across the country dropped by 0.1% in December, while values in major cities fell by 0.2%.

For Australian tourists, a highlight of the Japanese experience is the food. Five plates of sushi, a bowl of miso soup, soy sauce-flavored fries, and complimentary green tea come to just 968 yen — roughly 10 Australian dollars. Most sushi plates in Japan cost around AU$1, including tax, whereas in Australia, the cheapest plates are about AU$5.

The range of changes include welfare payment increases, rising passport fees, and new workplace laws. While some costs, like medicine prices, will remain frozen, others, such as aged care worker wages and alcohol taxes, will rise.

Nearly 2.6 million customers are paying the same or more than the default offers set by regulators.

Whether you're grabbing final gifts or making sure your home is prepared for the festivities, here's what you need to know about store hours and what's open during Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year's.

According to Andrew Podger, a professor of public policy at ANU, Australia needed to shift its focus towards creating a system that helps older Australians turn their accumulated super savings into reliable incomes, ensuring they can maintain their living standards and manage the financial challenges of old age.

Take stock of your financial situation by reviewing these five key areas: short-term debt, family protection (insurance and a will), emergency savings, pension savings, and investment plans. This audit will help you create a solid financial plan.

The social media post quickly became a conversation starter, with many people sharing their own holiday party mischief. "I also did this," one person wrote, while another admitted, "Me this weekend." One fan even declared, "Xmas party done right," while another humorously questioned, "Why do I have to yap so much?"

"The government is determined to tackle the skills shortage, especially in the construction sector," Immigration Minister Tony Burke stated. "This is an important step to attract qualified workers to help build more homes."