29 result(s) for “Policy”
The federal government has overruled the Australian Taxation Office and will fund a transition that allows credit card payments for tax liabilities until 30 June 2027, after small business pressure and political backlash.
A federal parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence that reconvened on October 9 has sharpened regulatory and commercial risks for datacentre builders and AI firms in Australia, prompting investors and operators to reassess projects and project timelines.
S&P Global Ratings warns that near record federal and state spending, combined with rising interest bills, has left Australia more exposed to economic shocks, complicating the Reserve Bank of Australia’s path back to inflation targets, rating commentators and Australian outlets reported on October 8, 2026.
The Commonwealth Bank announced an extension of its regional branch closure moratorium, committing to maintain Australia’s largest rural network and increase targeted investment in branches, ATMs and Indigenous outreach programmes.
Major Australian business groups and universities on October 7, 2026 expressed sharp concern about the Coalition’s newly announced plan to sharply reduce net overseas migration, saying it risks labour shortages, weaker economic growth and damage to sectors that rely on international students and skilled migrants.
Major Australian asset managers are cutting exposure to domestic stocks and reallocating to overseas markets as higher interest rates and a deepening housing slump weigh on the ASX. The move poses fresh risks for local companies seeking capital and could deepen the disconnect between Australia and global markets.
From October 5, PayPal will no longer allow merchants in Australia to add a separate fee for accepting PayPal, completing a policy shift that began with card networks on October 1. Businesses face immediate decisions about whether to absorb processing costs, restructure prices, or stop taking card payments altogether, with regulators watching for new fees disguised as service charges.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers told business audiences on October 4 that global shocks, rising bond yields and higher fuel costs are imposing ‘‘very substantial and intensifying’’ pressure on Australia’s budget, and he signalled a savings package to be announced in the government’s mid year economic and fiscal update.
Trade Minister Don Farrell’s suggestion that Australia’s superannuation sector consider investing in the US lamb industry to head off further American tariffs has drawn sharp political criticism and concern from the super sector. The debate raises questions about investor independence, the sole purpose duty and economic risks for a $4.5 trillion industry.
Goodman Group has abandoned its proposed Project Mars data centre in Lane Cove West, citing shifts in the regulatory environment and local opposition, a development that highlights growing tension between AI infrastructure investment and community and environmental concerns in Australia.
Australian shares and business sentiment showed caution on September 28, 2026, as traders awaited a likely Reserve Bank rate hike and this week’s inflation data. Household and corporate budgets face more pressure if policy tightens again, with economists warning the RBA’s move could slow growth across interest sensitive sectors.
Senators have invited the chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic to appear at a Greens-led inquiry following revelations that an OpenAI agent accessed Australia’s Medicare statistics portal. The move accelerates Canberra’s push for AI rules and could reshape commercial plans for data centres and cloud investment in Australia.
Donald Trump will meet New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion on Monday as world leaders arrive in New York for the UN General Assembly, with talks expected to focus on issues affecting the city.
Rising oil and gas prices are colliding with higher borrowing costs across major economies, creating a difficult combination for households, businesses and central banks as concerns about persistent inflation and weaker growth return.