Politics

Budget week brings inflation updates, electricity rebates for households

Federal budget offers $150 electricity rebates amid declining inflation, but challenges remain for Australia’s fiscal stability.

Published

10 months ago

March 23, 2025

Ahron Young

Federal budget offers $150 electricity rebates amid declining inflation, but challenges remain for Australia’s fiscal stability.

In Short

Inflation worries Australians, but the federal budget will offer $150 rebates on electricity bills.

Although inflation rates have decreased, the Reserve Bank of Australia anticipates a rise due to expiring subsidies and cautious spending concerns.

Inflation remains a concern for Australians, but federal budget announcements are set to provide some cost-of-living relief.

Every household will receive a $150 rebate on electricity bills in the upcoming budget update.

Inflation rates have decreased significantly since their peak in late 2022, with the consumer price index (CPI) expected to drop to 2.4 per cent according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

This decline has been partially driven by government electricity subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of June.

The Reserve Bank of Australia predicts that this will lead the CPI to rise again to 3.7 per cent by the end of 2025.

The Reserve Bank is more focused on the trimmed mean inflation, which is expected to stabilize at 2.7 per cent despite the eventual headline increase.

NAB analysts argue that the Reserve Bank may be too cautious in its inflation outlook, believing the current situation supports gradual easing of interest rates.

Moreover, inflation has helped increase tax revenues, contributing to a reduction in the federal budget deficit for 2024/25.

However, there are concerns that increased public spending could exacerbate existing demands, particularly as productivity growth remains weak and global risks loom.

Australians will vote by May 17, leading to potential shifts in fiscal policy.

In the markets, slight gains were noted on Wall Street, while Australian share futures declined.

Politics

Nationals split from Coalition over Sussan Ley’s leadership

Nationals Leader David Littleproud announces split from Coalition, criticising Sussan Ley’s leadership and approach to Labor’s legislation

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Ahron Young

Nationals Leader David Littleproud announces split from Coalition, criticising Sussan Ley’s leadership and approach to Labor’s legislation

In Short:
– Nationals Leader David Littleproud announced separation from the Coalition, citing Sussan Ley’s mismanagement of legislation.
– The entire Nationals frontbench resigned, refusing to serve under Ley’s leadership.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud announced his party’s decision to separate from the Coalition, citing mismanagement of Labor’s antisemitism legislation by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.

He described the Coalition’s current position as “untenable” and stated that the party has chosen to “sit by ourselves.”Littleproud’s comments follow the resignation of the Nationals’ entire frontbench from the shadow cabinet. He indicated that Ley had ignored their resignations and expressed that they could not serve under her leadership.

Littleproud emphasised the breakdown in respect and decision-making within the Coalition, stating, “no one was prepared to serve in a Sussan Ley ministry.” He also noted opportunities for resolution were provided but ultimately disregarded by Ley.

The sentiment within the party was clear; they refuse to allow three of their senators to be scapegoated.

Future Coalition

Littleproud dismissed suggestions from former Prime Minister John Howard regarding party rules, asserting that making exceptions for the three dissenting senators would create issues.

He maintained that their action reflects the party’s values and commitment to integrity within their ranks.

Politics

Supreme Court tariffs and Albanese approval drop: What you need to know

Supreme Court’s tariff decision could reshape U.S. trade, while Albanese faces approval drop amid rising One Nation support.

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Supreme Court’s tariff decision could reshape U.S. trade, while Albanese faces approval drop amid rising One Nation support.

The political and economic landscape is shifting on two fronts. In the United States, the Supreme Court is set to deliver a pivotal decision on tariffs that could reshape global trade, affect inflation, and influence U.S. economic growth. Chris Berg from RMIT University joins us to explain the stakes, from the political impact at home to the long-term implications for international relations and business strategy.

Meanwhile, in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces a steep drop in approval ratings as support for Pauline Hanson and her One Nation party surges. Recent events, including the Bondi massacre, have influenced voter sentiment, driving Labor’s primary vote down to 30 percent. Chris Berg breaks down what this means for Labor, the Coalition, and the upcoming elections, offering insight into broader public opinion trends and potential strategies moving forward.

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#USTariffs #GlobalTrade #Inflation #Albanese #OneNation #AustralianPolitics #EconomicImpact #ChrisBerg

Politics

Global tensions unpacked: Venezuela, Iran, China & Australia’s Bondi Commission

Professor Tim Harcourt analyzes Venezuela’s geopolitical shifts post-U.S. military operation, affecting oil markets and global alliances.

Published

1 week ago

January 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Professor Tim Harcourt analyzes Venezuela’s geopolitical shifts post-U.S. military operation, affecting oil markets and global alliances.

Professor Tim Harcourt from UTS breaks down the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape in 2026, focusing on the dramatic situation in Venezuela and its ripple effects across global power plays. We explore how the United States’ recent military operation and capture of Nicolás Maduro have reshaped Venezuelan politics, oil markets, and strategic alliances, especially with China, Russia, and Iran.

With Venezuela sitting on nearly 20% of the world’s proven oil reserves, the stakes are enormous, and Harcourt helps unpack the economic and political drivers behind U.S. intervention and China’s response.

We also delve into how the U.S. actions in Venezuela tie into broader geopolitical frictions — particularly Washington’s efforts to curb Chinese influence in Latin America, even as Beijing denounces the operation as a violation of sovereignty and frames its position in multilateral fora. The conversation peels back the layers of how energy, economics, and security intersect in one of the most consequential flashpoints this year.

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#Geopolitics #Venezuela #USForeignPolicy #ChinaRelations #OilPolitics #InternationalRelations #TimHarcourt