Morning Headlines

Austal on deck with US Navy for subs

Leading defence shipbuilder Austal says the Morrison government was right to have axed a $90 billion French-designed submarine project and to opt for a nuclear option that could result in US Navy submarines being based in Perth as an interim measure. The Fin

Demand dip for iron ore a threat to WA Budget

Economists have warned of a short-term hit to the WA Budget as China’s surging COVID-19 infections weigh on the country’s already depressed economy, potentially reducing demand for iron ore and other commodities. The West

Teens vulnerable to misogynistic online influencers

Before his high-profile arrest in Romania last week, Andrew Tate built a toxic ‘‘manosphere’’ that courted teen boys, highlighting the need for parents to involve themselves in their children’s online habits, says Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety commissioner. The Fin

Small firms hit as gas prices treble

The federal government’s gas price caps have failed to afford relief to uncontracted small manufacturers so far, and some firms have been slugged with temporary tariffs for gas of more than three times the limit on wholesale prices. The Fin

Renewables break records but lag target

Renewable energy contributed a record 40.4 per cent of the National Electricity Market supply in the December quarter, but growth is slipping further behind the levels needed to meet the 2030 target and has not been enough to prevent a surge in average wholesale prices. The Fin

ACCC calls on banks in merger probe

The competition regulator is using its compulsory powers to tap banks for reams of detailed information about industry pricing, marketing, technology and customer switching as it assesses ANZ’s tilt for Suncorp Bank. The Aus

Farmers have ear of WA’s new Agriculture Minister

WA’s new Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis has vowed to “listen to farmers”, pledged her support for live exports and defended Labor’s looming native logging ban. The West

Australia to fare best on forecast of low returns

It’s been a tough year for most equities and investors will likely have to accept lower returns in 2023 — but Australia will still likely outperform its global peers, according to a boutique fund manager. The West

WS2 shows CBD hot property

The first tenants for Perth’s first timber office tower have been signed on in what the building’s managers have described as a vote of confidence in the city’s improving market. The West

The Australian Financial Review

Page 1: The federal government’s gas price caps have failed to afford relief to uncontracted small manufacturers so far, and some firms have been slugged with temporary tariffs for gas of more than three times the limit on wholesale prices.

The S&P/ASX 200 is headed for a year of renewed volatility and subdued returns in what many strategists frame as a tale of two halves, following a loss of 5.5 per cent last year.

Page 3: By decade’s end, Australia’s population will be 1.2 million fewer than forecast before the COVID-19 pandemic, due to lower migration and a long-run decline in the fertility rate.

Page 6: Before his high-profile arrest in Romania last week, Andrew Tate built a toxic ‘‘manosphere’’ that courted teen boys, highlighting the need for parents to involve themselves in their children’s online habits, says Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety commissioner.

Page 12: Renewable energy contributed a record 40.4 per cent of the National Electricity Market supply in the December quarter, but growth is slipping further behind the levels needed to meet the 2030 target and has not been enough to prevent a surge in average wholesale prices.

Page 15: Leading defence shipbuilder Austal says the Morrison government was right to have axed a $90 billion French-designed submarine project and to opt for a nuclear option that could result in US Navy submarines being based in Perth as an interim measure.

The Australian

Page 1: China has warned it will retaliate against nations that have imposed “discriminatory” Covid-19 testing requirements on travellers leaving the communist nation, arguing the policy is political and lacks a scientific basis.

Page 2: The hit to Australia’s economic growth prospects from large interest rate rises could be bigger and the fallout felt for longer than previously thought, according to a new research document from the Reserve Bank.

Page 4: Older Australians looking to remain in their own homes for as long as possible could be supported by the government to make the necessary modifications and put off any repayment until after they die.

Page 5: The northern West Australian town of Fitzroy Crossing has been completely cut off and much of the Kimberley could be inaccessible for more than a week after the region was inundated with the highest flood waters in memory.

Page 13: The competition regulator is using its compulsory powers to tap banks for reams of detailed information about industry pricing, marketing, technology and customer switching as it assesses ANZ’s tilt for Suncorp Bank.

Page 16: Nyrstar hopes Australia will join the US and Canada in adding zinc to its list of critical minerals, as it ponders the next steps for its Hobart and Port Pirie smelters.

The West Australian

Page 4: Fears are growing parts of the State’s North West could be completely cut off as major bridges struggle to hold against a wall of water inundating the region.

Stockpiled coal has caught alight in Collie in yet another blow to the State Government’s efforts to shore up fuel supplies amid power generation concerns over summer.

Page 18: The Opposition has accused the Federal Government of a panicked response to the wave of COVID infections engulfing China after it was revealed Australia’s top medical expert advised against new testing requirements on inbound travellers.

Business: Economists have warned of a short-term hit to the WA Budget as China’s surging COVID-19 infections weigh on the country’s already depressed economy, potentially reducing demand for iron ore and other commodities.

WA’s new Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis has vowed to “listen to farmers”, pledged her support for live exports and defended Labor’s looming native logging ban.

The US tied with Qatar as the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas last year, a milestone for the meteoric rise of America as a major supplier of the fuel.

It’s been a tough year for most equities and investors will likely have to accept lower returns in 2023 — but Australia will still likely outperform its global peers, according to a boutique fund manager.

The first tenants for Perth’s first timber office tower have been signed on in what the building’s managers have described as a vote of confidence in the city’s improving market.