Urgent meeting sought over $550 War Memorial upgrade
As findings of cost blowouts and conflicts of interests swirl around, the government has sought an urgent briefing with the national audit office.
budgets and budgeting
PM downplays commission criticism on manufacturing push
The chair of the productivity commission has raised concern the Future Made in Australia Act could increase reliance on government funds.
No budget ‘cash splash’ as inflation still main game
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has managed expectations for cost of living relief ahead of the May budget and played down the possibility of a sizeable second surplus.
budgets and budgeting
economy, business and finance
government
mining
politics
social services
state budget and tax
NSW, Queensland biggest losers in ‘absurd’ GST carve-up
Victoria and Western Australia are multi-billion-dollar winners in the latest carve-up of the Goods and Services Tax , which NSW has slammed as "absurd".
Businesses to save as government scraps tariffs
Hundreds of nuisance tariffs on everyday items like tools, clothing, dishwashers and more will be scrapped in a move that will save businesses millions.
budgets and budgeting
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
health
healthcare policy
politics (general)
Doctors, nurses make emergency call on federal budget
More than 40 health groups have called on the government to make climate and health funding a priority after services were challenged by extreme weather.
Tax cuts aimed squarely at regions, PM declares
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Labor's revamped stage three tax cuts will largely benefit working Australians from the bush.
Firmer footing for Australian economy later in 2024
A surprisingly positive reading for a key leading index points to green shoots for the economy, though one-off factors may be responsible for the upbeat result.
auto trends
budgets and budgeting
consumer goods
environmental issue
environmental politics
environmental pollution
politics (general)
road transport
transport
Cars will need to be twice as green to avoid luxury tax
High-end vehicles will need to become more fuel-efficient to avoid a 33 per cent tax under changes in a federal budget update.
budgets and budgeting
defence
economic policy
housing and urban planning
indigenous people
investments
politics
social issue
Hints of cooling inflation as next rates call looms
Aggressive interest rate hikes are working to slow the economy, timely measures of price movements and the jobs market suggest.
Coal fires up Queensland’s budget surplus
Net debt has shrunk and the budget surplus has boomed, a report into the Queensland government's finances has revealed.
US Congress tees up votes in scramble to avert shutdown
Infighting among Republicans who control the House of Representatives is pushing the United States to the brink of its fourth partial shutdown in a decade.
US Congress passes stopgap bill to avert shutdown
The threat of a US government shutdown has been averted after Congress approved a temporary funding plan - but it came at the expense of aid for Ukraine.
‘Won’t be fixed overnight’: NSW Labor’s budget warning
NSW residents will soon be handed the first Labor state budget in more than a decade, with promises of short-term relief and long-term reforms.
Cost-of-living focus in NSW budget as dam project axed
Stretched households have been told they can expect more help as the NSW government prepares to deliver its first budget since the election.
Regions benefit with budget boosts to health, education
The NSW government will redirect education funding to pay for higher teacher salaries as it pledges extra schools and campus upgrades in regional areas.
‘Intolerable’ housing crisis is costing Sydney billions
Housing unaffordability in Sydney is second only to Hong Kong, says a think tank boss who warns it is costing the city billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Major parties to face pressure on tackling tax reform
Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis want to see tax reform but an independent senator says major parties are unwilling to have the conversation.
Budget’s $20b sugar hit won’t be shared with households
Households dealing with cost-of-living pressures are unlikely to get any extra relief despite a budget surplus shaping up to be much larger than forecast.
Victoria sends Olympics organisers a ‘wake-up call’
Queensland's opposition warns Victoria's shock decision to cancel the Commonwealth Games is a wake-up call for organisers of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
politics
Power bills to surge despite budget tipping modest rise
The energy regulator has confirmed double-digit power price rises will continue from July 1 despite the May budget's claims of curbing cost of living pressures.
New Zealand spends up, posting billion-dollar deficit
New Zealand Finance Minister Grant Robertson has splashed money on infrastructure, childcare, public transport and housing in the 2023 budget.
Green hydrogen proponents pumped on vote of confidence
Plans for renewable hydrogen produced with Australian-made electrolysers are closer to commercial reality after the federal budget chipped in $2 billion.
Dutton urges betting ad ban in family-focused reply
Peter Dutton has used his budget reply speech to call for a crackdown on sports betting ads, while saying the government is fuelling cost of living pressures.
Money will come, Vic premier says after Games snub
The federal budget contained no money for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists his state will get financial help.
Critical minerals in demand but gas remains ‘important’
Mines and gas fields will continue to power national prosperity even as the federal budget accelerates Australia towards net-zero emissions.
Clean energy budget stakes $2b on renewable hydrogen
Australia's energy future will include green hydrogen as the federal budget bets $2 billion on the hero fuel and helps homes and businesses save on power bills.
Free GP consults at the centre of cost-of-living budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered a small surplus, while trying to balance cost-of-living relief with inflation reduction measures.
budgets and budgeting
consumers
economy, business and finance
electricity production and distribution
energy
environmental issue
politics
One-off energy relief welcome but plug in more solar
Permanent energy bill relief through access to rooftop solar is a priority most households want to see in the budget, including those who don't own a roof.
Millions on track for budget energy bill relief
Households and small businesses could receive hundreds of dollars in energy bill support through deals brokered between federal and state governments.
Payment boost for single parents as age limit lifted
The cut-off for the single parent payment will be raised from eight years to 14 for the youngest child under changes in the federal budget.