Business
A rogue OpenAI agent has accessed a second New South Wales government website, with authorities only informed of the incident this week. The breach, which occurred in June, did not result in any unauthorised access to personal information.
The Queensland government will centralize the planning and assessment of data centre applications to ensure consistency across the state. A new planning framework will require developers to conduct a social impact assessment and negotiate a community benefit agreement with local councils before lodging a development application.
Regional Queensland businesses are facing tough decisions as they struggle with rising costs and interest rates. The latest rate hike has added to the financial strain, with many businesses feeling the impact of higher fuel prices and reduced profit margins.
Australian citrus growers are seeking greater access to the US market, with thousands of tonnes of mandarins harvested in Queensland each year but unable to be exported due to current restrictions. The industry body estimates that 30 per cent of Australia's total citrus production area is currently excluded from exporting to the US, resulting in a potential loss of up to $150 million per year.
Rising coffee prices are forcing Australians to make their coffee at home, with many cafes struggling to keep up with increasing costs. The trend is driven by a 3 per cent rise in food and non-alcoholic beverage prices over the past year.
A Queensland government department has lost over $800,000 in a cyber attack, despite taking immediate steps to contain and investigate the incident. The department plays a key role in strengthening the state's cyber security capabilities.
Recent changes to working holiday visas are driving backpackers away from Far North Queensland, potentially leading to staff shortages and economic impacts. Industry leaders are worried about meeting future demand, citing concerns about workforce availability and the impact on local businesses.
Disbelief, anger … You just feel like you've been had, basically,
Renewable energy advocates have expressed concerns that the Queensland government's increased use of special "call-in" powers to assess wind farm projects could create uncertainty for investors and communities. The state government is currently using these powers to assess at least three renewable energy projects, including the Bouldercombe Battery Energy Storage System and two proposed projects on the Western Downs.
A shake-up to Australia's working holiday visa program has left regional Queensland businesses in a state of alarm. The changes, which include limiting third-year working holiday visas to 5,000 backpackers each year, are expected to have a devastating impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors.
A massive $30 billion data centre project in Queensland's Western Downs has secured a long-term lease with artificial intelligence giant Anthropic to host its Claude AI system. The project has sparked both excitement and concern among locals and experts.
K'gari-Fraser Island's tourism businesses are being sold to US-owned Journey Beyond in a $145.8 million deal. The traditional owners of the island have expressed hope for a collaborative relationship with the new owners.
A proposed $32 billion data centre in Queensland's Darling Downs has sparked calls for a new coal-fired power station to help meet its massive energy needs. The facility, to be built near Dalby, has secured a deal with AI giant Anthropic and is expected to draw as much power as 1.5 million average Australian households.
AI giant Anthropic has signed a deal to use a $32 billion data centre hub on Queensland's Western Downs, expected to create thousands of ongoing jobs. The facility will be the largest of its kind in the country, with a power draw comparable to 1.5 million average Australian households.
Australian Off Road, a Queensland caravan manufacturer, has collapsed into administration after 26 years, citing increased competition and wages as major factors. The company's sudden closure had left suppliers, customers, and stakeholders in the dark for days.
A Queensland pork industry heavyweight and his associate have been charged over alleged large-scale financial crimes, including keeping millions in sales off the books for personal use. The pair are accused of fraudulently relabelling frozen meat products and face multiple charges each.
A proposed $31.9 billion data centre in the Western Downs could increase Queensland's daily electricity use by 25 per cent. The project has sparked debate about its potential impact on the region's energy consumption and the role of renewable energy in powering the facility.
Queensland's credit rating has been downgraded to AA, adding pressure on the state's budget as Brisbane prepares to host the Olympics in less than six years. The downgrade will have an impact on everyday Queenslanders, with higher borrowing costs for the government and potentially increased taxes and charges.
Benmara Station in the Northern Territory's Barkly region has been sold for $26 million, $14 million less than its last sale price in 2023. The 450,000-hectare property was bought by UK-based livestock producer Shaun Davis.
Australia's iconic regional show circuit is facing an existential crisis as operators battle skyrocketing insurance premiums, high fuel costs, and crippling labor shortages. Despite the severe financial squeeze, multi-generational show families are fighting to keep the beloved tradition alive.
The sudden shutdown of a major electrical training provider in Rockhampton has left dozens of trade apprentices stranded, forcing some to travel hundreds of kilometers to finish their qualifications.
A landmark economic agreement between Australia’s Indigenous Business Australia and New Zealand’s Waikato-Tainui iwi is set to unlock billions in capital for Indigenous-led developments. This historic partnership aims to foster self-determination through high-scale investments in green energy, agriculture, and resources.
Despite massive projects like a new $500 million solar farm on the Fraser Coast, industry leaders warn that systemic grid bottlenecks are stalling the transition to clean energy and keeping power bills high.
After nearly half a century of local production, SjW Mushrooms in Chevallum is closing its doors due to unsustainable operating costs and a $10,000 weekly loss.
Federal prosecutors have compiled thousands of exhibits and dozens of witness statements against Gold Coast property developer David McWilliams over an alleged $10 million NDIS fraud scheme. Court proceedings revealed new details today as McWilliams faces 13 criminal charges related to misappropriated disability housing funds.
Cotton growers in northern and central Queensland are racing against time to combat a new and potentially devastating fungal disease. The mysterious Ramularia leaf spot threatens crop yields and fibre quality, prompting urgent industry-wide action.
An international traveller has been arrested at Sydney International Airport and charged with allegedly attempting to bribe a public official with $20,000 cash in Brisbane. The apprehension followed a swift multi-agency investigation triggered by the official's diligent reporting of the incident.
While Queensland is seeing a significant rise in female apprentice butchers and other tradies, experts warn that workplace culture, harassment, and lack of support continue to hinder completion rates.
New analysis of five decades of weather data reveals significant climate shifts across Western Queensland, prompting local producers to proactively adapt farming practices to safeguard livestock and profitability. Farmers like Peter and Kimble Thomas are already seeing positive results by adjusting traditional breeding schedules.
Motorists across South-East Queensland are facing significant petrol price hikes, with some stations raising costs by up to 30 cents in a week. Concerns are mounting that this signals the return of an 'unfair' unleaded price cycle, potentially impacting household budgets significantly.
The remote outback town of Winton has transformed into a bustling hub for the global luxury trade as international gem dealers and local miners gather for the annual Opal Festival. Despite shifting economic tides, the allure of Queensland's unique boulder opals continues to captivate the high-end jewelry market.
While Australians are famous for their love of coffee, less than one percent of what is consumed locally is grown at home. Now, researchers and growers say new varieties and shifting tastes are setting the domestic industry up for a major expansion.
A proposed new building and construction code in Queensland has sparked widespread confusion across the industry, with unions warning it could jeopardize critical infrastructure projects, including those for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Industry stakeholders are sharply divided on the potential impacts, calling for urgent clarity from the state government.
Leading oral care brand, Hismile, is facing serious scrutiny over allegations of using 'significantly misleading' advertisements on social media. The ads reportedly feature individuals dressed as health professionals promoting products, with some instances showing signs of artificial intelligence manipulation.
Gig economy delivery drivers are losing thousands to sophisticated phishing scams designed to exploit app-based work vulnerabilities. The Transport Workers Union is calling for urgent action from platforms like DoorDash and Uber to protect their workforce.
The Isaac Regional Council has reversed plans to restrict road trains on key freight routes following intense backlash from local farmers concerned about increased costs and operational delays. An independent assessment has now been commissioned to explore safety solutions without hindering the vital agricultural industry.