Illustration by Simon Letch

Dutton wants to know if you’re better off now. It’s a trick question

The opposition leader’s question is so seductive to people who don’t follow politics and the economy,and don’t want to use their grey matter.

  • Ross Gittins

Latest

The $400 school saving bonus is not means-tested.

Dear Jacinta Allan,thanks for the $400,but I really didn’t need it

Millions of parents are under intense pressure. But plenty are in cruise mode – financially chastened,but hardly on the bones of their bums. So why are we all getting free money?

  • Tom Ormonde
RBA governor Michele Bullock said it was a consensus decision to keep rates on hold.

Job losses not RBA’s priority as bank keeps rates on hold

Asked about the impact of incoming US tariffs,RBA governor Michele Bullock said inflation remained the bank’s main focus as it held interest rates steady at 4.1 per cent.

  • Shane Wright andMillie Muroi
Research showed Woolworths customers are paying as much as 3.7 per cent more for a basket of groceries than they were last year.

Why a bikini wax and a block of chocolate suddenly have a lot in common

We’ve all noticed the cost-of-living crunch in big things such as rent and mortgage repayments. But the micro-stings continue to bite.

  • Melissa Singer
Woolworths,Coles,Aldi and Metcash (IGA) are under pressure to lower grocery prices by the government.

There’s no proof big supermarkets are price gouging,but Labor will ban it anyway

Labor would target supermarkets price gouging customers but has stopped short of Peter Dutton’s populist plan to give regulators power to break up big chains.

  • Millie Muroi andJames Massola
Australian food consumption habits data released.

More meat and chips,less chocolate:here’s how our eating habits have changed

Australians bought more than 15 million tonnes of food and non-alcoholic drinks last financial year – but the things we reached for have shifted.

  • Millie Muroi
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Albanese,Ken Henry,Dutton tryptich

Cowardly politics is robbing our children blind. It’s time to be brave

Whoever wins the May 3 federal election,this is their challenge:dare to end decades of intergenerational theft.

  • Ken Henry
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese listening as Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers the budget speech.

Cost-of-living election campaign looms as long-term issues press in

The federal election is being fought on domestic issues,but it comes at a crucial moment for our country and the world.

  • The Herald's View

The key issues that will define the election – and where the major parties stand

Tax is a latecomer to the campaign agenda,Medicare has taken centre stage,and a nuclear energy fight will keep climate change in the conversation.

  • Natassia Chrysanthos
Anthony Albanese and income gains during the first term of his government.

The real winners and losers from Albanese’s handouts

Cost-of-living pressures have dominated the Albanese government’s term. New analysis shows who it has tried to dull the pain for.

  • Shane Wright