Politics

Aussie small businesses prioritise cost relief this election

Aussie small businesses prioritise cost of living, taxes, and energy relief ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

Published

11 months ago

April 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Aussie small businesses prioritise cost of living, taxes, and energy relief ahead of the upcoming Federal Election.

In Short

As Australia’s Federal Election approaches, small businesses express concerns over cost-of-living pressures and inadequate government support, crucial factors in their voting decisions.

Many are calling for lower taxes and better relief from rising operational costs, particularly high energy expenses.

As Australia approaches the Federal Election on May 3, small businesses voice their concerns ahead of this pivotal moment.

According to OnDeck Australia, 2.5 million small businesses are vital to the economy, and their voting choices reflect significant anxieties about the cost of living and inadequate government support.

Significant voting bloc

Cameron Poolman, CEO of OnDeck Australia, asserts the importance of addressing these concerns, as small businesses represent a significant voting bloc. He notes that 61% of small business owners prioritise rising operational costs, particularly energy expenses. Many businesses report electricity bills between $5,000 to $15,000 annually.

In terms of tax relief, 60% of small business owners seek lower tax rates, while 51% wish for decreased interest rates. The Labor government’s budget includes energy bill relief, but Poolman argues that the proposed rebate is insufficient for businesses facing high energy costs.

As the election draws near, small business owners hope their voices will influence policies that support their needs, seeking a fair opportunity for growth and sustainability.

Politics

Pentagon clashes with Anthropic over AI safeguards amid Iran conflict

Pentagon vs. Anthropic: clash over AI’s role in military sparks ethical debate on autonomous weapons and privacy.

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Pentagon vs. Anthropic: clash over AI’s role in military sparks ethical debate on autonomous weapons and privacy.

The Pentagon and AI company Anthropic are clashing over the role of artificial intelligence in military operations. As bombs struck Iran, the Pentagon demanded Anthropic remove safeguards from its AI models, claiming the technology was involved in the campaign.

Anthropic refused, sparking a debate over ethics, accountability, and the limits of AI in defence.

Professor Chris Berg from RMIT University breaks down the Pentagon’s demands, the risk of contract termination, and what this conflict could mean for the future of autonomous weapons. The standoff underscores the tension between national security imperatives and public concerns about privacy and safety.

From AI safeguards to surveillance, this story examines the high-stakes battle between government authority and ethical tech.

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#AIethics #NationalSecurity #Pentagon #Anthropic #AIinDefense #TechNews #PrivacyMatters #AutonomousWeapons

Politics

Angus Taylor pushes bipartisan taskforce on carbon tariffs and spending cuts

Angus Taylor urges bipartisan collaboration on carbon tariffs, advocating for spending cuts to protect Australia’s economy and industries.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Angus Taylor urges bipartisan collaboration on carbon tariffs, advocating for spending cuts to protect Australia’s economy and industries.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to form a bipartisan task force to tackle carbon tariffs and propose essential government spending cuts. Taylor argues that cross-party collaboration is crucial to safeguard Australian industries and the economy from escalating carbon-related costs.

Taylor highlights specific areas for spending reductions while emphasising the need for major parties to work together. His proposals aim to balance environmental responsibilities with economic growth, sparking debate on how Australia should navigate its carbon policy.

Professor Chris Berg from RMIT University discusses the implications of Taylor’s stance and what it could mean for Australia’s economic future.

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Politics

Sussan Ley faces leadership pressure amid coalition turmoil

Sussan Ley faces rising pressure as Liberal Party dissent grows; political stability at risk, per Chris Berg.

Published

3 weeks ago

February 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Sussan Ley faces rising pressure as Liberal Party dissent grows; political stability at risk, per Chris Berg.

Liberal leader Sussan Ley is under growing pressure less than a year into her role, as internal party dissent intensifies and narratives form questioning her judgement. Political insiders suggest her leadership could face serious challenges in the coming months.

Professor Chris Berg from RMIT University breaks down the forces driving instability in Australian politics, examining how party dynamics and public perception influence leadership survival.

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#SussanLey #AustralianPolitics #LiberalParty #LeadershipCrisis #PoliticalAnalysis #ChrisBerg #RMITUniversity #TickerNews