News

Cost of living pressures dominated the political agenda this week following the Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate rise. With MYEFO approaching, the Government faces growing scrutiny over spending and inflation, while developments across trade, defence, energy, infrastructure, superannuation and education highlight a busy policy agenda at both federal and state levels.

With Parliament approaching its final sitting weeks of the year, cost-of-living pressures, inflation and interest rates remain firmly in focus. This week also saw significant developments across financial regulation, defence, critical minerals, infrastructure, health and education, as the Government looks to finish the year on stronger political footing.

This week, the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines has prompted reflection on political culture and the need for respectful debate. Elsewhere, Parliament examined AI safety and radicalisation, while developments across trade, energy, housing and superannuation highlighted key policy debates and decisions shaping Australia’s political and economic landscape.

Australian politics was dominated by Senate tensions, regulatory reform and economic policy this week. The Greens joined the Coalition and crossbench on private health insurance, while AI regulation, digital safety, gas reservation and discretionary trust reforms advanced. Financial regulators also sharpened their focus on superannuation governance, fraud and resilience.