Stories from Canberra · Australia

Senator Mark Butler warned colleagues to follow rules regarding dealings with large tobacco companies following a Senate inquiry at Parliament House in Canberra.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced plans to visit Australia. During this period, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, known as 'Albo', and the Japanese Prime Minister reportedly 'bonded'.

Animal rights activists are appearing at the High Court in Canberra to attempt to reclaim copyright over footage recorded in a Victorian halal abattoir. The footage was collected covertly over several months in 2024 at a facility that processes goat meat for export.

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry reported an overburdened dialysis system. More than 80% of Australian regions have wait lists for patients needing to start dialysis or transfer closer to home. Approximately 25% of Australian dialysis units have machines lying idle. The report indicates the system is failing vulnerable patients. Sharon Ford, president of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, stated that systems are operating under strain. The shortage follows weeks of diplomacy regarding fuel security.

Philip Morris International has been granted permission to provide evidence to a federal parliamentary inquiry in private. The inquiry is investigating illicit tobacco in Canberra. Health experts participated in the hearing, which was closed to the public for approximately 45 minutes without explanation. The source did not provide a reason for the private session. The testimony is expected to be published at a later date. The proceedings included participants such as Michael Milken, Milken Institute Chair, Kevin Hassett, and Brad Gursky. Philip Morris provided evidence during an inquiry, according to a report from ABC Radio National. Executives from tobacco company Philip Morris attended a closed-door Senate meeting in the Australian Federal Parliament.

The Australian federal government is changing the fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is slashing a tax break for new electric vehicles to address budget cutbacks. Drivers currently exempt from fringe benefits tax on electric vehicles valued under $91,000 will no longer receive the benefit. The source stated the scheme had exceeded its intended amount by 15 times. The move follows years of scrutiny regarding the policy's cost. All electric vehicles will be taxed at a 75% Fringe Benefits Tax rate starting in April 2029. Chris Bowen stated the change to the exemption is expected to save the budget $1.7 billion over the next four years. The policy change may influence consumer behavior, with some Australians potentially choosing more affordable EVs priced below $75,000 instead of the current $91,000 threshold from 2027 onwards.

A student was subjected to Nazi salutes during proceedings at a Royal Commission.

Australia's leading tobacco control advocacy organisation has condemned a federal parliamentary inquiry into illicit cigarettes. Public hearings for the inquiry began today but were closed to the public for approximately 45 minutes without explanation.

Public health experts and economists have rejected calls to reduce the Commonwealth tax on cigarettes. Experts told an investigation into the illegal tobacco industry that lowering legal cigarette costs could increase smoking rates.

The Australian federal government has extended the suspension of the commercial broadcasting tax for an additional two years. This measure is expected to save broadcasters approximately $111 million.