Electric car sales may stall if tax policy changes gear
Australia's biggest electric vehicle incentive is under review and both traditional car makers and the EV industry warns change could lead to a crash.
regulatory policy and organisation
Artificial announcers to be outed in radio rule refresh
Radio stations must reveal if they are using AI voices to host radio shows under a revised code of practice although rules will not apply to all segments.
Ticket to rideshare: disability groups call for change
Transport subsidy schemes around Australia need urgent reform to give people with disabilities greater choice and lower costs, a report has found.
Tech behemoths lashed over child abuse protections
Technology giants are not doing enough to tackle the worst examples of child sexual abuse material online, according to Australia's online safety boss.
Australian social media ban both a success and failure
Australian laws banning children from social media have the world talking but two months in, experts say they are far from foolproof.
Treasurer announces first female head of ASIC
Former corporate lawyer Sarah Court will succeed Joe Longo as chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Households could get paid under plan to price pollution
Australia could raise $35 billion a year by putting a price on pollution and help households and businesses by sharing the revenue, a report has found.
It’s not just you: fake videos look more real than ever
Artificially intelligent image creation tools are becoming more sophisticated and easier to use but that is making it harder to tell what is real online.
The chatbot will see you now: why AI is tackling health
After being swamped with medical questions, one AI firm is trialling a dedicated health service. Experts say more are coming and their prognosis is unclear.
Holiday-home perks under spotlight in ATO clampdown
The tax office is planning to clamp down on holiday home tax deductions, as proposed new rules clarify the criteria for which home owners can claim expenses.
Meal kit services sued over alleged subscription traps
The competition watchdog has taken meal delivery services HelloFresh and Youfoodz to court for misleading consumers with subscriptions.
Thirsty AI technology could strain Aussie water supply
Data centres supporting artificial intelligence technology could use as much as 20 per cent of the water supply in some cities unless policies change.
Search hit: court orders massive fine against Google
The world's biggest search provider will face a substantial penalty for breaking Australia's competition laws, a court has ruled, after doing deals with telcos.
Court challenge delay clears path for social media ban
Australia's social media age restrictions will kick in as planned, with a High Court challenge to the ban pushed into the new year.
Ready or not, social media ban demands a family plan
Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 is imminent but the details of its rollout and enforcement remain fuzzy.
Airlines should face biofuel mandate to level field
Low-carbon fuel orders could be placed on firms to secure the future of Australian biofuels and ensure they can reach their multibillion-dollar potential.
Red tape setting back businesses billions and counting
Companies employ 52,000 dedicated workers, more than Australia's entire coal mining sector, just to comply with regulation strangling business investment.
Consumers feeling merry in time for a Christmas splurge
Australian consumers are the most optimistic they've been since early 2022 despite fading prospects of more interest rate cuts.
No rules, no use: Aussie firms may miss AI opportunity
More Australian businesses are investing in artificial intelligence technology but many are still waiting for clear rules about its use.
Chalmers mulls automatic approval for foreign investors
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has unveiled more changes to the nation's foreign investment review scheme as he struck down a proposed pharmaceutical takeover.
Collect ’em all: call for widespread battery recycling
Australia's voluntary battery recycling scheme will be allowed to continue but with limited uptake, the public could benefit if more devices were collected.
Fears ‘free’ electricity could come with hidden costs
Some households will get free access to electricity for three hours a day but questions have been raised about unintended consequences from the plan.
‘Minsky moment’: watchdog boss warns of market collapse
The corporate watchdog has flagged easing reporting requirements for smaller firms while warning private credit to shape up or face tougher regulation.
Tech giant founder targeted as federal police raid firm
Shares in Australian technology giant WiseTech are in freefall, down 15 per cent in early trading, after revelations of an ASIC-AFP raid.
‘Slam dunk’: Microsoft sued for misleading Aussie users
Microsoft might have misled millions of Australian customers when it sent emails about higher fees for its flagship AI assistant.
Construction code delays risk pulling the plug on EVs
New homes will not need to be ready to charge electric vehicles after a freeze on the construction code, which some say will stall progress.
Parents armed with get-ready guides ahead of social ban
Parents and teachers are being recruited to the front lines of Australia's social media ban for kids, with a range of resources launched to help them prepare.
Social media ban could pull the plug on young artists
YouTube warns blocking young people from accessing its platform will lead to unintended consequences for online safety and hinder emerging talent.
Banned by AI bots: fresh call for social media referee
Artificial intelligence software is incorrectly banning social media accounts but without an ombudsman, many struggle to reclaim their profiles.
Financial sector urged to shoot higher on climate risk
The global financial sector has been urged to prevent further backsliding on climate and to stop funnelling money into new fossil fuels in an open letter.
Appliance reliance: consumers want repairability labels
Most Australians want to know how long they can expect expensive appliances to work and whether they can be repaired easily, a study shows.