Energy minister Chris Bowen announced that the federal government will use commonwealth legislation to override state opposition and mandate that new AI datacentres run on renewable energy while banning gas-fuelled facilities.
The National Foreign Trade Council has condemned Australia's expanded News Bargaining Incentive, which now includes LinkedIn. The US trade body warned of a deteriorating investment climate, while local experts argue the plan lacks ambition and fails to address AI-driven content.
The Albanese government, nearing the midpoint of its second term, presents with strong political vitals amid global instability. A health check reveals a commanding majority, stable posture, and improved fiscal regime, but also notes concerns such as divisive populism, internal factional issues (notably with Ed Husic), and the need for continued engagement on key policies like Medicare and economic justice.
Donald Trump's administration imposed new 12.5% tariffs on Australian exports, citing a failure to combat forced labor, a claim the Albanese government disputes. Australia's trade minister called for immediate removal, stating the tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent with their free-trade agreement.
The Albanese government's approval of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project extension in Western Australia faces a federal court challenge from conservation groups, testing Australia's environment law and international climate obligations.
The Albanese government plans new national rules for AI in government decision-making, consumer protection, workplace safety, and privacy, led by Attorney General Michelle Rowland. It also aims to legislate a digital duty of care and regulate energy-intensive data centres, with concerns raised by the opposition.
Australia is replacing paper arrival cards with a digital declaration system for international travellers at airports and seaports. The Albanese government announced the move after a successful trial, aiming to streamline the arrivals process, enhance national security, and boost the economy.
Australia is replacing paper arrival cards with a digital passenger declaration system across all airports and seaports. The move, part of a $56.1m investment, aims to streamline the arrivals process, enhance national security, and boost the economy.
Labor's draft national platform will soften its opposition to mandatory jail sentences, recognizing they don't reduce crime. It also commits to cracking down on online gambling inducements, pressuring the government to toughen reforms.
Labor's updated national platform, to be debated at its July conference, softens its stance on mandatory jail sentences, pushes for stronger curbs on gambling inducements, retains Aukus support, and rewrites its Israel/Palestine position to reflect Palestinian state recognition and opposition to illegal settlements.
Australian creatives are seeking assurances that the government will not weaken copyright laws in exchange for significant AI data centre investment. A proposal reportedly includes AI companies mining creative content for training models, with a fund for artists as compensation. Critics call it a 'dirty deal'.
The Albanese government approved regulatory changes allowing NSW to receive carbon credit funding for protecting native forests, enabling the creation of a 176,000-hectare koala national park near Coffs Harbour. The move, an election commitment, is praised by some conservationists but criticized by others and industry for relying on contentious carbon offsets.
Senator David Pocock has urged the Australian government to prevent tech giants from using Australian content to train AI models, as cabinet debates copyright rule changes. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for a moratorium on new data centers until regulations are established.
Senator David Pocock urges the Australian government to prevent tech giants from using Australian content to train AI models, as cabinet debates copyright rule changes. Senator Sarah Hanson-Young calls for a moratorium on new datacentres.
The Greens will support the Albanese government's negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. In return, Labor's overhaul of the national disability insurance scheme will be delayed and tweaked. This deal allows Labor to pass its budget centerpiece before parliament rises.
The Greens will support the Albanese government’s negative gearing and capital gains tax changes in exchange for delaying and tweaking the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) overhaul. The deal allows Labor to pass its budget centerpiece before parliament rises.
Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump share populist tactics, targeting similar issues like immigration and media. While Hanson is rising in polls ahead of Australian elections, Trump's approval is declining. Their approaches to immigration and trade differ, and 'Trumpism' has previously been rejected in Australian elections.
Australia's parliament enters a 'settlement season' before its winter break, with the Labor government pushing contentious tax changes and facing opposition to NDIS reforms. Deals with the Greens and Coalition are complicated by party fury, leading to potential legislative roadblocks.
A Melbourne woman in her 30s, identified as Jane, lost $646,035 to a romance scammer she met on Hinge. Despite new anti-scam laws planned for 2027, her bank and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) denied her a refund, citing current regulations.
Activist group Lock the Gate analysis reveals coal companies may receive an extra $6.2bn in taxpayer refunds for diesel if half of proposed mine developments are approved. This comes as the Australian government faces pressure to cap a fuel tax credit scheme benefiting multinational miners.
Pauline Hanson addresses her new MP's comments on immigration and Indigenous flags. The Albanese government offers concessions on capital gains tax changes. Iran plans maritime fees in the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine drones strike Moscow, and Lionel Messi's family requests "humanity" amid health reports.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced expanded capital gains tax (CGT) exemptions for small businesses, including startups and testamentary trusts. The government increased the turnover threshold to $10 million, making the exemption "substantially broader and significantly more generous" in response to industry criticism.
A Labor-led human rights committee has found proposed changes to Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to be 'retrogressive' and lacking alignment with an independent review. The changes, which could remove over 200,000 participants, raise human rights concerns regarding access to disability support.
The Albanese government's proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to cut spending and reduce participant numbers have drawn heavy criticism from advocates and people with disabilities during a Senate inquiry. Shadow NDIS minister Melissa McIntosh also discussed concerns about the legislation.
