Julius Caesar was warned “beware the Ides of March” in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, a caution that may feel fitting for the Albanese Government this week as it battles on two fronts.
The first being the damage inflicted on south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales by tropical Cyclone Alfred, leaving tens of thousands without power and many without homes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to announce much welcomed financial assistance and income support for impacted communities across the region.
The second challenge coming from Trump’s Administration, which has decisively rejected Australia’s request for an exemption from the universal 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the United States.
Echoing Caesar’s “Et tu, Brute” moment, the PM described President Trump’s decision as “entirely unjustified” and “against the spirit of our two nations’ enduring friendship.” Not unexpectedly, on the cusp of an election, the Opposition criticised the Government as having “failed dismally.”
Both parties are critically aware of the importance placed on the US-Australia relationship by voters, with a recent RedBridge-Accent poll claiming that two-thirds of voters want a prime minister who can effectively manage this relationship.
The combination of these two developments has impacted Labor’s calculus on when to call the federal election, with early May now the most likely option.
Federal Parliament will return on 25 March when Treasurer Jim Chalmers will deliver a highly anticipated Federal Budget. A couple of days later, on Thursday, 27 March, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will deliver his Budget in-reply.
Top talking points
📊Newspoll update: The Coalition leads Labor 51-49 on a two-party preferred basis, while Anthony Albanese remains the preferred Prime Minister over Peter Dutton 47-38.
🌏Australia’s tariff exemption rejected: The White House confirmed 25 per cent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium exports, a move labelled “entirely unjustifiable” by Anthony Albanese.
🌪 Cyclone Alfred financial assistance: Federal, QLD, and NSW Governments have activated financial support for communities affected by the cyclone.
💬Teal donor speaks: Climate 200 founder Simon Holmes à Court addressed the National Press Club, advocating for community independents ahead of the election.
🗳 Cook Government wins WA election: WA Labor retains government despite a double-digit swing against the ALP. Read GRA Partners’ full analysis here.
Things to watch
📍Campaign trail continues: Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will keep campaigning in key electorates ahead of the election.
📅Budget Week begins: Parliament returns on Tuesday, 25 March, with the Federal Budget delivered at 7:30 pm. The Opposition’s Budget reply follows on Thursday, 27 March, with both sides expected to focus on cost of living relief.
🏛 State and territory parliaments sit: NSW, VIC, SA, NT, and ACT Parliaments will sit next week.
Investment and consumer trends
A $1.2 million commitment has been made to help launch the Social Enterprise Loan Fund, partnering with investors and philanthropists to create job opportunities in disadvantaged communities.
Household spending rose 2.9 per cent in January compared to the same time last year, with the largest increases seen in health, miscellaneous goods and services, and transport.
New data from the National Anti‑Scam Centre indicates that annual reported scam losses decreased by over 25 per cent to $2 billion in 2024, reflecting the impact of enhanced anti‑scam measures.
Diplomatic appointments and defence investment
New Ambassadors and High Commissioners have been appointed to Mongolia, Ireland, Vietnam, and Kiribati, with each role filled by career diplomats from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In defence, a $569 million contract with Boeing Defence Australia has been signed to upgrade aircraft and ground systems for the Royal Australian Air Force’s six E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft.
Energy transition and environmental investments
Appointments to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency board have been confirmed, with Marianna O’Gorman and Stephen McIntosh reappointed, and Angela Karl joining as Deputy Chair.
A $145.3 million joint funding package has been allocated to upgrade social housing properties in New South Wales, with investment directed towards energy efficiency improvements, including air-conditioning, hot water systems, and solar panel installations.
Infrastructure, cyber security, and regional investment
A $1.1 billion upgrade to the Western Freeway has been announced, improving the key connection between Melbourne and Adelaide. Separately, $1 billion has been committed for land purchases to support a future Metro rail link connecting the Bradfield Aerotropolis, Leppington, and Macarthur.
In Queensland, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure review has been completed, with the 100-day report set to be released on 25 March.
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s 2025 conference on Reducing Online Harms highlighted an increase in cybercrime reports, up 12 per cent in the past financial year, with 36,700 incidents reported to the Australian Signals Directorate.
Meanwhile, appointments to the Airservices Australia Board have been confirmed, with Susan Ferrier appointed to a four year term and Douglas Bain to a three year term.
In communications, Adam Suckling has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for a five-year term. Meanwhile, ACMA has been directed to introduce an industry standard for messages using sender ID to improve consumer protections.
Health and workplace reforms
In women’s health, $5.2 million has been allocated to frontline miscarriage support services, providing additional care for families who have experienced pregnancy loss.
A new school funding and reform agreement has been signed between the Federal and ACT Governments, with an additional $72 million in Commonwealth investment by 2034–35.
In workplace safety, a new Code of Practice on Sexual and Gender-based Harassment has been approved to improve workplace protections across Australia. The Code builds on recommendations from Safe Work Australia and aligns with national workplace health and safety laws.
In case you missed it...
📺 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Trump’s trade tariffs, rejecting retaliation while pushing for a better deal: