Michael Lee

Australian shares crashed $60bn on Tuesday in the worst trading session since Liberation Day tariffs, with the ASX 200 falling 1.94% as tech stocks plummeted and recession fears intensified across global markets.

Nov 19, 2025

Barnaby Joyce called Labor's potential extension of $150 energy rebates a "total swindle" and "Band-Aid on an amputated leg" during heated Sunrise debate with Tanya Plibersek. The New England MP, who recently distanced himself from Nationals over energy policy, used Biblical reference about dogs and vomit to criticize renewable energy while claiming power grid has "gone off a cliff."

Nov 11, 2025

National Australia Bank reported FY25 cash earnings of $7.091 billion (down 0.2%) and statutory profit of $6.759 billion (down 2.9%), missing analyst expectations. Credit impairment charges rose 14.4% while shares trade at 2.1x book value—a 38% premium to 10-year average and highest valuation in over a decade.

Nov 08, 2025

Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney saw major AUKUS progress: PMB Defence supplying batteries for Australian and UK submarines, 11 Australian companies qualified for US supply chains, combat system team formed, and $159 billion maritime investment confirmed. But critics warn current defense spending isn't enough.

Nov 07, 2025

Australia expanded its world-first under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick, effective December 10. Nine platforms—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, and Kick—face AU$49.5M fines for non-compliance. WhatsApp and gaming platforms are exempt.

Nov 06, 2025

Commonwealth Bank won its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees charged to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments between 2019-2024. ANZ refunded $47.9M; CommBank paid just $25M to Indigenous customers and refused the rest.

Nov 05, 2025

Australia opened the world's first commercial quantum diamond foundry in Melbourne with $31 million in government funding. Quantum Brilliance's facility produces lab-grown diamonds for room-temperature quantum computers, creating new opportunities for specialized manufacturing and technology insurance.

Nov 05, 2025

Australia supplies 74% of the world's zirconium reserves, critical for nuclear fuel rods and hypersonic missiles. Chinese firms now control major Australian mines despite AUKUS security partnership. Investigation reveals 300% increase in China's zirconium exports to Russia since Ukraine war began.

Nov 04, 2025

Australian photo-sharing app Tinybeans (ASX: TNY) acquired US rival Qeepsake for $4.1 million in an all-stock deal, nearly doubling its subscriber base to 90,000. The acquisition costs just $67 per subscriber — far below organic acquisition costs — and boosts revenue 85%.

Nov 04, 2025

Australian home prices surged 1.1% in October 2025, the fastest monthly gain in over two years, adding $10,000 to median dwelling values. CoreLogic data shows Perth led with 1.9% growth while every capital city recorded gains. Annual growth hit 6.1% as rate cuts fuel property boom.

Nov 04, 2025

Israel-based Talma Travel Solutions acquired Sydney's Bay Travel Group for $10 million, marking its entry into Australia. The deal continues Talma's aggressive global expansion strategy with plans for more Asia-Pacific acquisitions in 2026.

Nov 01, 2025

Mahindra's Australian aircraft subsidiary MAAPL has been officially liquidated, ending a 15-year venture that began with a $175 million acquisition in 2009. The company received AUD 3.025 million in the liquidation process, marking the complete exit from aircraft manufacturing Down Under.

Nov 01, 2025

Charter Hall Retail REIT (ASX: CQR) has purchased four standalone Bunnings outlets across New South Wales and Queensland for A$151 million, expanding its net-lease hardware exposure and lifting its FY26 earnings guidance.

Oct 31, 2025

Australia's government introduces comprehensive environmental reform legislation promising A$6.9 billion annual economic benefits through faster project approvals while establishing a new National Environmental Protection Agency. The landmark bill faces political challenges requiring crossbench support.

Oct 31, 2025

Chip-maker Nvidia has become the first company in history to surpass a $5 trillion market value, driven by soaring artificial-intelligence chip demand, strategic partnerships and a strong keynote at its GTC event — but experts warn of a possible tech bubble.

Oct 30, 2025

Wesfarmers discloses that its retail staff faced more than 13,500 threats and about 1,000 assaults in the past year, prompting plans for enhanced safety measures across its stores.

Oct 30, 2025

Melbourne's upcoming event trio—Oasis, Melbourne Cup Carnival and Metallica—could generate around A$110 million in economic activity, offering a major boost to local hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors.

Oct 29, 2025

Sweden's EQT proposes A$45 per share cash bid for Australia's AUB Group, valuing the insurance broker at A$5.25 billion amid global consolidation in the broking industry.

Oct 29, 2025

WiseTech Global headquarters raided by Australian Federal Police and ASIC investigating chairman Richard White's alleged share trading violations. Stock plunges 17% as investigation unfolds.

Oct 28, 2025