Stories from Canberra · Australia

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson criticized Treasurer Jim Chalmers, alleging that government spending is driving inflation.

Independent Senator David Pocock stated the Australian government is favoring foreign companies over Australian citizens by rejecting a proposed gas export tax. He also noted a premium could be placed on company tax to target super profits. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ruled out new taxes on existing gas contracts during a speech to the Western Australia resources sector. Albanese also stated that super profits do not exist, addressing speculation that the Labor government would pursue changes in next month's federal budget. The announcement clarifies the government's position ahead of the upcoming budget release. The Prime Minister noted Australia's reliance on Asian partners for fuel security and their corresponding reliance on Australian exports. He indicated that future changes or adjustments to tax settings remain a possibility.

Access Canberra officers, ACT policing, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration conducted inspections at six retail outlets across Canberra. The raids identified six persons of interest with known links to the illicit tobacco trade. Authorities seized $27,000 in cash and 6,000 cigars during the operation.

The Australian government unveiled a new draft legislation yesterday aimed at reforming the bargaining code. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, claims the proposed incentive will not result in a sustainable or innovative news sector.

The Australian federal government is committing more than $45 million over four years to streamline the approval process under the Environmental Act. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the reforms aim to avoid duplication and remove red tape on projects.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a commitment to reduce regulatory burdens for major projects. Under the plan, states and territories will be able to issue environmental approvals on behalf of the Commonwealth.

A new report recommends the creation of a national AI task force and changes to the Fair Work Act. The report also calls for human oversight of AI decisions. The Federal Minister for Employment is scheduled to lead a forum on AI adoption today.

A commission is scheduled to release its interim report tomorrow regarding counterterrorism efforts. The report is understood to find weaknesses in Australia's counter-terrorism system and attempts. Dennis Richardson resigned from the Commission, stating he was treated as a well-paid researcher and feared he would have little influence on the findings. Some details of the report have already been leaked to the media. The Australian reports that the Commissioner will defer substantive findings regarding the actions of the National Intelligence agency. The report is expected to be made public through the federal government following the meeting. An interim report by the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has been released. The report covers findings related to social cohesion and antisemitism.

ACCC head Rod Sims, who designed the bargaining code, welcomed the incentive-based scheme. Under the scheme, media companies face penalties if they do not reach a deal, making it cheaper to negotiate than to pay the charge.

A study by the John Curtin Research Centre found that artificial intelligence is intensifying worker surveillance and creating unsafe workloads. Co-author Dominic Maher stated that existing workplace laws must evolve or broaden to ensure clear coverage of AI.