The World Today

While Australia has enjoyed a record run of economic growth, without experiencing a recession, business conditions don't necessarily reflect that. The World Today went out and about to speak to businesses that have an acute sense of how the economy is performing.

Today's figures show that the Australian economy grew by just over 1 per cent in the December quarter that's growth of 2.4 per cent over the year. It's a bounce back from the previous quarter when Australia's economy went backwards.

Australia is not in recession. The official GDP figures out today show that the economy retains its record of almost 26 years of unbroken annual growth. Today's figures show that the Australian economy grew by just over one per cent in the December quarter. That's growth of 2.4 per cent over the year.

New research published today shows Australia's growth is being mainly fuelled by economic activity within just a few small areas within the central districts of Sydney and Melbourne. It's leaving regional Australia and the smaller states to languish in their wake, while sky-rocketing house prices means those moving to the so-called 'super cities' in search of jobs will increasingly struggle to find a toe-hold in the local housing market.

The chief of the Australian Defence Force says Islamic state militants are using 'Mad Max'-style vehicles to launch suicide attacks, and small commercial drones armed with grenades as the battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul enters its next stage. But Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin says the threat to Australian forces has not escalated any further. He's given evidence at a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra.

As the Government considers a request from the Fair Work Commission about how to compensate losers from last week's penalty rates decision, it's accusing Labor of trashing the commission's independence.

President Donald Trump is preparing to give his first address to a joint sitting of congress. He'll begin his nationally televised speech in around an hours time. But already there have been a number leaks indicating some of what he will say. And one of them indicates that Mr Trump may be about to significantly soften his stand on immigration.

Australian entrepreneurs are a diverse bunch but a report today has found they tend to have one significant thing in common. Universities Australia says more than 80 per cent of local start-up founders have university degrees. And the university lobbying group is pushing for more on-campus programs to support students who want to start businesses.

While traditional media companies have been struggling to make money in recent years, there's been soaring growth in a new media role that's attracting a lot of money, the social media influencer. Increasingly, celebrities, bloggers and social media personalities are promoting everything from moisturiser to dining experiences. And it's blurring the line between paid and unpaid promotion. But there'll be greater transparency and disclosure from today.

Victorian secondary students are still putting themselves at risk of skin cancer despite sun safety messages. New data reveals a contradictory attitude where more than half like to get a tan, but many know the benefits don't outweigh the dangers. The State Government outlawed commercial solariums in 2014 but one expert says teenager tanning trends are still a big concern.