SBS News In Depth

Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses are calling for relief from rising prices and business costs in the May federal budget. As insolvencies rise in tough times, one female founder is bucking the trend by growing her hospitality chain.

Household financial stress has reached an 8 year high, as wellbeing levels in Australia remain depressed. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with NAB's Dean Pearson to find out more. Plus the day on the markets with Omkar Joshi from Opal Capital Management.

The High Court has dismissed the claim of Iranian man known as ASF17 in a ruling that the government says is a win. But the ruling may also have broader implications for other detainees facing deportation and is being described by some as inhumane.

The federal government has released its 10-year plan to give children the best start in life. Children aged between zero and five years of age is the focus of the national strategy.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel can stand alone and fight against Hamas if needed. It comes after the United States warned it could halt arms shipments if the Israeli prime minister ordered a full-scale invasion of Rafah in Gaza.

Griffith University vice-chancellor Carolyn Evans says she welcomes confirmation of measures in the federal budget to help with student debt; and payments while undertaking compulsory placements in social work, nursing and teaching.

The federal government has announced a $110 million funding package for Tuvalu. The money is set to address some of the island nation's immediate priorities, as part of the Falepili Union treaty between the two countries.

84% of Australian workers already use artificial intelligence in the workplace whether they know it or not, but an increasing number of employers are wanting to hire people that are skilled in the technology. Tanya Dendrinos speaks with LinkedIn Australia New Zealand MD Matt Tindale for more, plus Ricardo Gonçalves discusses the day's sharemarket moves with Stuart Roberts from Stocks Down Under

The United States has paused a shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns it will invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah. It marks the first time in the conflict President Joe Biden has applied pressure on Israel using its military aid to the key US ally.

Consumers are complaining about 'bread and butter' telecommunications services, so Rhayna Bosch speaks with industry ombudsman Cynthia Gebert to find out more, plus SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions about the day on the sharemarket.

Australia's entry to this year's Eurovision has been knocked out in the semi-finals of the European song contest in Malmö, Sweden. But pop duo Electric Fields say they are still buzzing after a historical performance which saw an Australian Aboriginal language used on-stage for the first time in the event's history.

A senate inquiry has recommended the government pass its controversial deportation bill that would make it easier to deport those in immigration detention. The bill would also allow the government to impose a blanket ban on people from nations whose governments refuse to accept the return of deported citizens.

The parents of two Australian brothers killed in Mexico have spoken publicly for the first time, paying an emotional tribute to their children. Jake and Callum Robinson disappeared while on a surfing trip, with their bodies finally identified after being found in a well.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is reportedly withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine worldwide. The vaccine was discontinued by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Authority in April 2023 after findings of adverse side effects.

The Israeli military says its troops have taken operational control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. It comes as delegations from Hamas and Israel are expected to gather in Cairo in an effort to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Hand-sanitising prayer beads have been launched to help curb the spread of germs among Muslim pilgrims at this year's Hajj. The prayer beads (or Tasbih) are coated in tea tree oil and uniquely designed to preserve spiritual practices. They're being distributed to pilgrims on Saudia airlines flights, as well as in Mecca itself.

Interest rates are increasing likely to stay high for longer because inflation is still a problem, meaning borrowers expecting a rate cut will have to wait even longer. But there are things that can be done to help reduce your mortgage rate in the meantime.

Police in New South Wales are set to be handed so-called extraordinary powers to search and scan people with wands to tackle a spate of knife crime. If passed, the reforms will bring the state in line with Queensland, which has some of the toughest knife laws in Australia.

While the RBA isn't ruling anything in or out, it would appear it has maintained its neutral bias following its decision to leave official interest rates on hold in May. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speask with Jarek Kowcza from Westpac and Matt Wacher, CAIA from Morningstar for more.

Price gouging could soon become illegal in Australia following the recommendation of a major supermarket inquiry. The landmark report seeks to tackle elevated food prices and contain supermarket profit margins as well as supporting competition.