Today
Government to help buy ‘shiploads of fuel’ under new powers
The government will use taxpayer funds to underwrite the purchase of critical imported fuel as the conflict in the Middle East threatens national supplies.
‘It will affect everything’: This was the week the war hit home
The war is no longer distant. From farms to supermarkets, the shock is spreading through the economy, and Australia could be pushed towards recession if it drags on.
Yesterday
EV tax break to roll on as sales soar
The Albanese government is reconsidering plans to scale back the $1.3 billion-a-year fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles.
Fuel supply now guaranteed until May, after which uncertainty looms
The prime minister says there will be a nationally consistent response to the fuel crisis and not a rerun of the COVID-19 fiasco where states went their own ways.
The US won’t protect you, top diplomat warns Australia
Former DFAT boss Peter Varghese has urged the Albanese government to pursue a more self-reliant defence policy, arguing US global primacy is not a key interest.
PM says fuel supply ‘remains secure’; NextDC ices $500m deal; 24 days to disaster
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
As the world burns, Canberra fumbles
The economic effects of the Iran crisis make the Albanese government’s budget decisions harder – but also more necessary to make tough choices. That’s not happening.
Xero inks Anthropic deal, insisting AI can help software giants
The ASX-listed accounting platform developer will embed Claude tools into its system, allowing users to automate tasks like chasing unpaid invoices.
This Month
Ignored warnings about fuel security have left Australia vulnerable
It’s not as though we haven’t been warned before – since in 2012 there have been warnings about the nation’s fuel reserves.
‘Needless secrecy’: Government resolves to be upfront over fuel crisis
National cabinet will meet next Monday to discuss the crisis, amid some internal frustration over the government’s tone and messaging to date.
Copyright holders are ready to do AI deals – under existing laws
A leading creative industry CEO representing songwriters and music publishers says current legislation is fit for purpose in the age of artificial intelligence.
Australians suffering because of Trump’s war, says Hastie
Given the conflict’s impact here, Andrew Hastie says voters should consider One Nation’s loyalty to the US president when considering a vote for Pauline Hanson.
Gen X takes the reins: The middle child now rules Canberra
For the first time in 40 years, Baby Boomers are no longer the driving force in parliament as Jim Chalmers prepares a budget focused on intergenerational equity.
PM urged to apply key COVID lesson to manage fuel crisis
Business is urging the Albanese government to take full charge of the response to the fuel crisis to avoid a repeat of the splintered response to the pandemic.
Not in the dictionary, but no mistaking envoy’s meaning
Japan’s ambassador to Australia says any change to gas taxes will curtail investment and Australia’s reputation as a reliable energy partner.
‘We hate surprises’: Japan warns against new gas tax
The Asian nation’s ambassador has warned that the imposition of a windfall tax on LNG exports may deter investors.
Labor embraces ‘progressive patriotism’ as One Nation surges
Labor, both state and federal, is bringing a new brand of nationalism to the table to combat the rise of an aggressive, monocultural version being pushed by the hard right.
We must avoid future fuel supply disruptions by planning now
The continuing economic impact of the energy crisis is unclear, but we should develop and implement a strategy to deal with the world as it is likely to be.
EU deal shows rules-based order isn’t dead yet
The EU deal may not be what every sector wanted, but in a world that is more contested and uncertain, it provides a valuable insurance policy for Australia.
EU warns Australia: Distance won’t save you in ‘harsh’ world
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Australia’s and Europe’s security are intertwined, and Australians are no longer protected by their isolation.
