Coalition budget reply to link housing, migration rates
Australia’s migrant intake would be tied to the number of new homes built each year if the coalition wins government, under a plan to reduce pressure on the nation’s housing…
If AUKUS were NDIS? Rising cost of elusive subs submerged in budget
The price of the AUKUS submarine program is rising while the chances of subs being delivered is going down. Rex Patrick on the Budget subs spending. It’s quite hard, indeed…
Bargain bust-up: court rules on Coles’ ‘fake’ discounts
A judge will decide whether supermarket giant Coles deliberately misled customers with its “Down Down” price campaign in a landmark ruling ending a high-stakes legal battle. Due to be delivered…
Jakarta prosecutors seek 18 years jail for Gojek boss
Indonesian prosecutors have sought an 18-year prison sentence for a co-founder of ride-hailing and payments giant Gojek over his alleged role in a corruption case tied to the procurement of…
Labor faces parliament challenge to budget tax reform
The future of the government’s signature policies in the federal budget remain unclear, with no guarantee of support through the parliament. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ fifth budget included plans to limit…
Up, up and you pay: tourists to be slugged extra tax
Australians heading overseas will be hit with increased exit fees in a move that has incensed some travel groups and travellers alike. A price hike of $10 from January 1…
Budget lacks energy for big renewable project reforms
Australia’s growing throng of solar panels, batteries and electric cars will be managed by a new regulator in a multimillion-dollar budget commitment welcomed by investment and climate groups. The change…
Green groups warn climate courage missing from budget
Climate wins on bike lanes and batteries have been overshadowed by a failure to capture fossil fuel revenue and rein in off-road diesel credits, environment groups say. The lead up…
Funding to stem child-support system abuses welcomed
Australia is taking one of its most significant steps in recent history to stem abuses and weaponisation of the child-support system, advocates say. The 2026/27 federal budget handed down on…
A lot of panic for a sensible budget? | The West Report
Jim Chalmers’ 2026 Budget has landed and, despite the pearl clutching from the Rich Boomers Lobby and Murdoch press, the sky has not fallen in. Westy looks at the modest…