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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
‘These geniuses’: PM’s generational housing gamble
Anthony Albanese is playing “gutsy” politics with sweeping changes to tax concessions for landlords but risks offending established investors who may not have expected the overhaul, an expert in politics…
Up in smoke: budget loses $8b more to illicit tobacco
Australia’s growing tobacco black market has slashed billions more dollars from the federal budget bottom line as the treasurer remains steadfast against calls to lower the excise fuelling the illicit…
Rinehart legal saga reignites, Hancock lodges appeal
Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, will fight elements of a complex court ruling that found two rival mining dynasties were entitled to a share of the spoils from some of…
In Stella Prize first, a graphic novel draws the win
The $60,000 Stella Prize has gone to a graphic novel for the first time, with Lee Lai taking out the award for her book Cannon. “This feels like quite a…
Labor’s budget resembled a seven-course degustation. It was welcome, but why don’t voters feel sated? | Nicki Hutley
None of the budget measures will change the outcome for most would-be home buyers in the short term, but Jim Chalmers’ reforms go well beyond one electoral cycle Explore all…