The Australian economy beats expectations with a strong 3.1 per cent annual increase in GDP, but economists warn that may be "as good as it gets" with weak wages growth and low savings limiting consumer spending.

Embattled Queensland businessman Clive Palmer says QNI Resources has approved plans to reopen the Queensland Nickel refinery in Townsville, following its financial collapse in 2016.

Embattled Queensland businessman Clive Palmer says QNI Resources has approved plans to reopen the Queensland Nickel refinery in Townsville, following its financial collapse in 2016.

Under the new laws, telcos and tech giants including Facebook, Google and Apple could face significant fines if they do not comply with requests for access to encrypted data of suspected criminals and terrorists.

Under the new laws, telcos and tech giants including Facebook, Google and Apple could face significant fines if they do not comply with requests for access to encrypted data of suspected criminals and terrorists.