Politics

Musk, tech giants urge Trump against Australian laws

Musk and tech giants urge Trump to retaliate against Australia’s new digital laws threatening their profits.

Published

10 months ago

March 20, 2025

Ahron Young

Musk and tech giants urge Trump to retaliate against Australia’s new digital laws threatening their profits.

In Short

US tech companies, including Elon Musk, are pressuring President Trump to intervene against Australia’s laws that require payments for news content, arguing they harm profits and stifle innovation.

Australia’s Assistant Treasurer has dismissed these claims, stating the laws apply equally to all, while concerns about potential US retaliation continue to influence the Australian government’s proposed tech tax.

US President Donald Trump is facing pressure from major American tech companies, including Elon Musk, to take action against Australia’s federal laws regarding social media and the digital economy.

These tech giants argue that Australia’s proposed laws, particularly the News Media Bargaining Incentive, unfairly threaten their profits by requiring payments to fund Australian news content.

A formal complaint has been submitted to Trump’s trade chief, opening a new chapter in a trade dispute that also involves US pharmaceutical and beef industries urging Trump to impose tariffs to protect American interests.

American streaming services

The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has claimed that Australian regulations jeopardise American streaming services and stifle innovation in artificial intelligence by forcing costly compliance on US companies.

The CCIA’s complaint seeks to influence Trump’s potential decision to impose reciprocal tariffs, which could be announced soon. The group, which includes powerful companies like Amazon and Meta, did not call for tariffs on other nations but preferred negotiation for the removal of international trade barriers.

In response, Australia’s Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones dismissed the claims, asserting that the laws apply equally to all businesses.

The potential for US retaliation has created caution within the Australian government regarding its proposed tech tax. The CCIA has claimed that Australia’s media policy is a discriminatory tax, jeopardising vital funding for local journalism.

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