Stories from Australia

Australian Minister Don Farrell indicated that the Labor government is unlikely to implement a 25% windfall profits tax on gas exports in the upcoming budget. While some lawmakers have called for the tax to generate $17 billion annually, senior sources suggest there is a growing consensus against hiking taxes on LNG amid a global oil crisis. The final decision is expected to be revealed in the federal budget in two weeks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the upcoming budget will not include a tax on gas exports. The announcement follows recent social media scrutiny and a Senate inquiry regarding the issue. Albanese stated that gas exports are directly linked to national fuel security. He also ruled out changes to existing contracts during a speech in Western Australia. The Prime Minister noted that jeopardizing investment during a global fuel crisis would be detrimental.

Australia is seeing significant investment in data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, with recent figures reaching approximately $25 billion. This follows a major $24 billion takeover of data center operator AirTrunk. The influx of capital highlights the country's growing role in the global AI landscape. The investment comes as the company expands its infrastructure capacity. The announcement was made during a discussion on regional economic drivers.

Australia and Japan have entered a $7 billion agreement to develop stealth frigates, strengthening their maritime security partnership. The deal positions the two nations as 'Pacific Guardians' to secure regional waters. This move signals a deepening strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific region. This agreement marks the highest level of Japanese arms sales since World War II. The deal includes the export of radar systems and patrol boats to countries including the Philippines. Japan is also initiating joint research with the United Kingdom and Italy for next-generation submarine technology. Xiang Haoyu of the China Institute of International Studies noted the significance of this defense cooperation. Australia finalized a $7 billion deal to purchase three Mogami-class frigates from Japan this month. The agreement represents Tokyo's largest defense sales contract to date.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen is considering a 25% tax on gas exports as part of a broader strategy to secure higher returns for the region. The government is weighing the economic benefits against the need for regional cooperation in liquid fuels and gas. The proposal comes amid a growing public campaign for increased taxation on gas companies. An analysis by the Australia Institute suggests a 25% tax on gas exports could generate $17 billion in annual revenue. No specific timeline for implementation was provided. The report notes that Australian nurses currently pay more in taxes than the gas industry. The findings were released in Canberra.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that Australia has diversified its fuel supplies to include non-traditional suppliers in response to the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant disruptions to the global oil supply, forcing nations to seek alternative energy security measures. This shift aims to mitigate the economic impact of maritime tensions in the Middle East. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated she will seek fuel security for the region. Wong noted the importance of continued supplies of LNG, coal, and food. The comments were made during a discussion regarding regional energy stability. Senator Penny Wong stated that Australia can only supply energy and food to Asia if it receives reliable fuel supplies from the region.

Microsoft has announced a massive $18 billion investment in Australia's AI and cloud infrastructure through 2029. This represents the company's largest-ever financial commitment to the country. The move aims to bolster regional digital capabilities and support growing technological demands. The deal was announced alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. One commentator noted that for every $100 a multinational invests in an Australian data centre, $80 leaves the country almost immediately. Energy company EDP is launching a $1 billion renewable energy initiative in Australia.

A 15-year-old boy has died following a collision involving an e-motorbike in northern Melbourne. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. A 31-year-old man faces trial in Göttingen for allegedly pushing a 16-year-old Ukrainian girl in front of a moving train last summer at Friedland station.

A new recycling hub is being established to tackle the growing e-waste crisis. The initiative focuses on the sustainable management of solar panels and electronic components. This move aims to mitigate environmental impacts from discarded technology. The legislation includes a new set of national environmental standards to guide approval decisions and protection efforts. Environmental Defender's Office lawyer Revill Pointon expressed concern that the yet-to-be-released standards may not provide sufficient safeguards against the impact of major projects. The effectiveness of the new agency depends on the specific details of these upcoming standards. Projects must meet new national environmental standards and comply with all bilateral agreements. This follows a deal struck late last year between the Albanese government and the Greens to overhaul Australia's environmental laws.

Police have converged on a street in Melbourne's south-east following a violent home invasion and kidnapping. The incident has caused significant local disruption in the residential area. The Chamber of Commerce warned that recent attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues could impact the nightlife economy. Police launched an operation yesterday to investigate 15 fire bombings and other incidents. These events occurred in the CBD, South Melbourne, and Prahran over the past fortnight. A newly formed investigation named Operation Eclipse is examining whether organized crime syndicates are responsible for recent arson attacks in Melbourne. Authorities are investigating if the attacks are attempts to extort entertainment venues. The investigation is being led by reporter Stephanie Ferrier.

Australian supermarket Coles has increased the price of milk by 20 cents due to rising costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This price hike reflects the broader impact of geopolitical instability on global supply chains and food inflation. Consumers in Australia are facing increased costs for essential goods as a direct consequence of international tensions. A blockade in the Middle East is restricting the shipment of a large portion of the world's fertilizer supply. Because fertilizer production relies heavily on fossil fuels, rising fuel costs are further increasing production expenses. These combined factors are expected to lead to significantly higher food prices for consumers, though the impact on retail prices may be delayed. The shortage is driven by the current blockade affecting global fertilizer transit routes.