Cutting ‘nightmarish’ red tape may awaken productivity
Fixing Australia's regulations could help businesses and shoppers save and reinvigorate Australia's languishing productivity base.
regulatory policy and organisation
Responsibility, not legacy driving Chalmers to reform
Jim Chalmers' economic roundtable will likely present some low-hanging fruit around regulation but hefty tax reform will be more challenging for him to grasp.
Google cops $55m fine for search engine deals on phones
Google engaged in anti-competitive behaviour when it asked telcos to install only its search engine on phones, Australia's competition watchdog says.
‘Tragic’ childcare abuse shouldn’t drive kneejerk shift
Parents are questioning whether to send their children to preschool in the wake of horror abuse reports and trust in the sector is at a new low, advocates say.
Plug-in hybrids speed up, EVs slow down in record month
Australian drivers have broken car sales records but some vehicle types are proving significantly more popular than others.
Musicians, actors, writers call for protection from AI
More than two in every three creative workers want the federal government to restrict the use of artificial intelligence to protect their jobs.
Upper house pushing Labor on ‘secret’ gambling ads plan
The government is under pressure over its plans for gambling advertising as an independent senator pushes for the release of documents.
Food bowl put ahead of coal with mine proposal rejected
A state government has been accused of sending "mixed signals" after rejecting a proposed coal mine in a major food bowl.
Renewable energy delays make Australia less attractive
Investing in Australian renewable energy is only 'somewhat attractive' according to a study that identifies transmission and planning delays among concerns.
More EVs, fewer V8s: changes coming for Aussie drivers
Motorists can expect more electric and hybrid vehicles to launch and some petrol and diesel vehicles to reverse after transport regulations finally take off.
Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online
Australian consumers and businesses are being harmed by the behaviour of tech giants in ways that cannot be addressed with current laws, a report has found.
Green tick: Australian net-zero projects to be rated
Environmental projects will be analysed and rated in Australia in a move experts say could prevent greenwashing and encourage international investments.
Apple says competition changes could open door to scams
A US tech giant has rejected proposed changes to Australia's digital competition rules, saying some could put consumers and app developers at risk.
Australia risks missing AI boost if it gets rules wrong
Australia could miss productivity gains and health breakthroughs if it does not consider artificial intelligence rules carefully, a Google executive says.
Renewables, AI rules top productivity reform wishlist
Fifteen areas have been identified for reform by the Productivity Commission, including artificial intelligence, tax reform and cheaper renewable energy.
Election expected to drive confidence in electric cars
Australia's transition to low-emission vehicles could speed up after the election, experts say, fuelled by ongoing tax cuts and emission limits.
Aussies prompt politicians for real action on AI rules
More than two-in-three Australians want restrictions on artificial intelligence technology, but the issue has not been raised in election campaigning.
Is it down? Strict rules for telcos that suffer outages
Phone and internet users will be given more details when their services drop out under rules imposed on telecommunication providers.
Safety over politics: motoring groups call for change
Australia's peak motoring body will encourage its 9.5 million members to challenge federal election candidates on road safety, amid calls for more transparency.
Aussie invention may cut the cost of self-driving cars
A single camera powered by artificial intelligence software could help drive future autonomous cars, slashing thousands of dollars from their production cost.
Major super fund sued over tardy death benefit payouts
AustralianSuper is the latest major super fund to face legal action for allegedly failing to pay out benefits to families of dead members in a timely manner.
Brother of Olympian ‘Raygun’ in court over scam charge
The financial regulator has accused Brendan Gunn, brother of Olympic breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, of allegedly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
‘No-brainer’ home ownership boost for HECS debt Aussies
Australians saddled with student debt who want to enter the housing market will be given a helping hand, under changes to lending requirements.
Dump fuel fees and tax all cars, motoring groups urge
The government should overhaul vehicle taxes in its upcoming budget, according to early submissions that say electric, hybrid and petrol drivers should pay.
The ‘existential’ threat facing the corporate watchdog
Corporations and regulators are struggling to adapt to modern business conditions and regular Australians are suffering as a result, says ASIC boss Joe Longo.
Aussie TikTok users brace as clock ticks down to US ban
An exodus to other Chinese apps, a jump in prominence but a dive in content: speculation is raging over what a US TikTok ban will mean for its Aussie users.
Government urged to put brakes on fast EV charging plan
Allowing energy networks to install hundreds of car chargers could present problems, one firm warns, unless they are made to follow the same rules.
All ahead AI: fresh risk, different rules, new features
Generative AI tools have already changed the way Australians work, communicate and study. Experts say more changes are coming in 2025.
Rex directors face grounding for silence over $35m hole
Four Rex directors failed to disclose the troubled airline's financial position after expressing optimism for future profits, the corporate regulator alleges.
An AI cop could help keep tech in check, inquiry hears
The government should appoint an artificial intelligence commissioner to oversee the technology, an inquiry has heard, amid concerns over unfair uses.
Workers are using AI but worry it makes them look lazy
More Australian white collar workers are using artificial intelligence tools to do their jobs but research shows many feel guilty about telling the boss.