Cisco global security chief Jeetu Patel warns "the bad guys are winning - today, categorically the bad guys are winning". Mr Patel tells AM "significant action" is needed to utilise artificial intelligence "for good" in the face of growing cyber risks that are targeting critical infrastructure.

It didn't come as a total surprise to Australian households - but there's now firm evidence that aggressive interest rate rises are at last slowing the economy.

Official economic growth figures out yesterday show almost flat-lining growth in the third quarter of this year.

So what does that mean for interest rates - and will there be any relief for households in the new year?

Australia's economy slowed dramatically in the third quarter of this year as aggressive interest rate rises and cost of living pressures eat into household budgets. GDP in the quarter came in at just 0.2 percent, well below forecasts, making 2.1 percent over the year. The Bureau of Statistics says government spending and public investment have been major contributors to economic growth.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Australia Post chief executuve Paul Graham tells AM the institution would have eventually run out of cash without a dramatic overhaul of its traditional letters business. Mr Graham also said there will be no job cuts as a result of Australia Post cutting letter deliveries to every second day.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior business correspondent

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Paul Graham, CEO, Australia Post

As expected, the Reserve Bank holds the cash rate at 4.35 percent. Michele Bullock remains resolute about taming inflation, but economists are now seeing rate cuts from the end of 2024.

It's back to the drawing board for Origin Energy after shareholders rejected a $20 billion takeover from a Canadian private equity giant Brookfield and EIG Partners.

The failed deal ends one of the biggest corporate plays of the year,

But despite the knockback, Origin is pushing ahead with it's plans for the high stakes transition from coal and gas generation to renewables after Australian Super (which opposed the takeover) said it would support Origin in the transition.

Official interest rates are almost certain to remain on hold at 4.35 percent when the Reserve Bank meets tomorrow. While borrowers will breathe a sigh of relief, the RBA board will remain on alert for rising inflation even though the most recent monthly update shows the annual rate slowing to 4.9 percent.

Official interest rates are almost certain to remain on hold at 4.35 percent when the Reserve Bank board meets tomorrow. While borrowers will breathe a sigh of relief, the RBA will remain on alert for rising inflation even though the most recent monthly update shows the annual rate slowing to 4.9 percent.

Reporter: Peter Ryan, Senior Business Correspondent

Budget "rolling in money". Economist Chris Richardson tips a $10b surplus but sees "tricky politics" with Treasurer Jim Chalmers hamstrung about sharing budget bonanza with struggling Australians - worried about stoking inflation.

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It's that time of year when Treasurer Jim Chalmers puts the finishing touches on the midyear economic and fiscal update. Dr Chalmers is busy managing expectations about budget surplus. Economist Chris Richardson sees a $10b surplus - but no handouts for hurting Australians given the risk of stoking inflation.