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.
regulatory policy and organisation
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.
Self-driving car forecasts speed up after Tesla launch
Australia could become a major testbed for autonomous vehicles if efforts to develop a national set of road rules for their use are successful.
Ratings system to help drivers navigate road safety
How safe are the roads you regularly travel? A free online tool ranks most major arterial roads out of five stars and its maker plans to expand it.
Keep electric car tax cut, remove pollution instead
A tax exemption for electric vehicles could put another 1.5 million on Australian roads if it is extended to 2035, modelling shows, and cut carbon emissions.
Pricey bills to carry clear alerts for cheaper plans
Households and small businesses will be warned if they are paying more than necessary under a reform designed to encourage more people switch plans.
Winds of change: reforms coming for renewable energy
Offshore wind technology could give Australia's renewable energy a significant boost but projects are facing headwinds, both locally and abroad.
Aussie firms want clear AI laws to meet tech challenge
Australian businesses are adopting artificial intelligence technology but a lack of skilled workers and clear guidelines is holding others back.
Vicious cycles: national push to slow electric bikes
Cycling groups say high-powered and illegally modified e-bikes are increasingly being used in Australia and stricter, national rules are needed to save lives.
Why Australian AI regulation could be a legal patchwork
Artificial intelligence may not be governed by a single, dedicated law in Australia but experts say changes to several existing laws could offer protection.
Pause on new regulations to fast track building homes
A pause in new regulations on construction standards will aim to have homes built faster under changes stemming from the productivity roundtable.
Cutting ‘nightmarish’ red tape may awaken productivity
Fixing Australia's regulations could help businesses and shoppers save and reinvigorate Australia's languishing productivity base.
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.