With the Intergenerational Report to be released in full tomorrow, there's been a lot of concern about the ageing population and whether costs for the aged pension will crack under the strain.

But there's some optimism this morning with the report predicting that because of compulsory superannuation since 1991, there'll probably be fewer people needing taxpayer support in the decades ahead.

Global miner BHP has posted a 58 percent fall in full year profit of US$12.9 billion (A$20.1 billion) as prices for iron ore, coking coal and copper slide. BHP chief executive Mike Henry says he's monitoring the health of China's economy and the level of stimulus Beijng pumps into the ailing property sector.

Reporter: Senior Business Correspondent Peter Ryan

Featured: Mike Henry, BHP chief executive

BHP profit expected to slow as commodities boom fades by Peter Ryan

Insurance Group Australia reports a 140 percent increase in full year profit to $832 million. But IAG chief executive Nick Hawkins holds out little hope of lower premiums as the insurer manages inflation-fueled payouts and higher costs for reinsurance.

Reporter: Senior Business Correspondent Peter Ryan

Featured: Nick Hawkins, IAG chief executive

The Business Council fo Australia is warning that major economic reform is needed to ensure the federal budget can maintain Medicare, NDIS, aged care and defence. Releasing its "Seizing The Moment" paper, the BCA proposes to lower company tax, raise the GST and remove regulation to boost the renewables transition.

The Business Council fo Australia is warning that major economic reform is needed to ensure the federal budget can maintain Medicare, NDIS, aged care and defence. Releasing its "Seizing The Moment" paper, the BCA proposes to lower company tax, raise the GST and remove regulation to boost the renewables transition.

Reporter: Senior Business Correspondent Peter Ryan

Featured: Jennifer Westacott, BCA chief executive; Tim Reed, BCA President

Australia's economy could at a critical turning point after the official jobless rate unexpectedly ticked higher to 3.7 percent in July. While the jobs market remains tight and economy for the most part is resilient, that could change dramatically in the coming months given the economic storm clouds ahead. Also .. Telstra CEO Vicki Brady on profits driven by the need for speed. And trivia about the late Sir Michael Parkinson - he featured on the cover of Band on The Run by Paul McCartney and Wings.

Australia's economy could at a critical turning point after the official jobless rate unexpectedly ticked higher to 3.7 percent in July. While the jobs market remains tight and economy appears resilient, that could change dramatically in the coming months given the economic storm clouds ahead. Analysis from ABC's Peter Ryan.

Reporter: Senior Business Correspondent Peter Ryan

Featured: Stephen Koukoulas, economist

Australia's official unemployment rate rise to 3.7pc in July with the number of jobless people rising by 36,000 according to the Bureau of Statistics. The data adds to expectations that the Reserve Bank's interest rate hiking cycle is over unless inflation reignites.

National Australia Bank chief executive Ross McEwan has welcomed the deal struck by National Cabinet to ease the housing supply crisis. Mr McEwan is on the road on northern NSW where he says businesses are struggling to attract workers because there's not enough rental accommodation. Ross McEwan speaks with ABC's Peter Ryan.