The Australian share market has closed at its highest level in more than two months, buoyed by gains in materials, energy and utility stocks amid soaring commodity prices.
Western Australian billionaires Gina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest have topped the list of Australia’s wealthiest 250 for 2022, with Canva founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht scoring a spot in the top 10.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his government is fully aware of the cost of living pressures Australians are facing and is promising a budget response.
In a major speech two weeks out from the federal budget, Josh Frydenberg says the government will tackle the deficit while helping families with cost pressures.
The national unemployment rate is now lower than Western Australia's, with a rate of 4 per cent across the country slightly less than 4.1 per cent out west.