ABC chair Ita Buttrose condemns AFP raid, vows to fight attempts to 'muzzle' broadcaster

ABC chair Ita Buttrose has "grave concern" about this week's Australian Federal Police (AFP) raid at the national broadcaster, which she says were "clearly designed to intimidate". 

The Afghan Files stories, by ABC investigative journalists Dan Oakes and Sam Clark, revealed allegations of unlawful killings and misconduct by Australian special forces in Afghanistan and were based off hundreds of pages of secret Defence documents leaked to the ABC.

Here's my report from The World Today

AFP raids on ABC damage Australia's reputation, warns business lobby chief Innes Willox

Business is becoming increasingly concerned that this week's federal police raids on the ABC and News Corporation risks eroding confidence in Australia's reputation as a free and open democracy. 

Innes Willox - a former political advisor, diplomat and now chief executive of the Australian Industry Group - worries about the perceived politicisation of supposedly independent government departments and agencies. 

Mr Willox speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.

Australia's economy slows to levels last seen during the GFC

GDP is mired at levels last seen a decade ago, with year-on-year growth crashing to 1.8 percent as weak wage growth and anaemic household spending take their toll. 

But ABC's Peter Ryan says "growth is growth" and the economy's unbroken expansion is continuing.

Rate relief defiance by ANZ, Westpac a surprise given banking Royal Commission fallout says KPMG Australia boss Gary Wingrove

KPMG Australia chief executive Gary Wingrove is surprised that ANZ and Westpac did not pass on the Reserve Bank's interest rate cut in full to borrowers. 

A survey out this morning from KPMG says Australian chief executives are more upbeat than their global counterparts but see climate change and disruptive technologies as key risks. 

Gary Wingrove speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.

Peter Ryan with Gary Wingrove. Picture courtesy of Whitney Fitzsimmons

Reserve Bank delivers on expectations, slashes cash rate to new low of 1.25pc

Here's my special report for the Perth edition of The World Today

Rate cut looks certain but businessman Graham Bradley bets against economist pack

Businessman Graham Bradley sees an outside chance the Reserve Bank will resist cutting the cash rate at today's meeting. 

The HSBC Australia chairman believes the RBA will keep its rate cutting powder dry in case of a global shock or to deal with a further deterioration in the Australian economy. 

Graham Bradley speaks with the ABC's senior business correspondent Peter Ryan. 

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker to crack down on migrant worker ripoffs; working with ABC on alleged underpayment of 2,560 casual staff

Fast food retailers, restaurants and cafes have been put on notice as the Fair Work Ombudsman turns up the heat on bosses who rip off their staff and exploit vulnerable migrant workers.

Ombudsman Sandra Parker says her office will use new powers to name, shame and take dodgy employers to court.

The crackdown comes after operators of three Tokyo Sushi outlets in regional New South Wales were fined more than 380-thousand-dollars for underpaying workers including junior employees and visa holders.

In her first broadcast interview since being appointed last year, Sandra Parker spoke from Canberra with the ABC's senior business correspondent Peter Ryan.