Tag
#policy
Greens win Senate inquiry into AI data centre energy use
The Australian Senate has launched a six-month inquiry into the environmental and energy impacts of AI data centres as a $40 billion investment pipeline meets limited federal oversight.
Chalmers makes $20,000 asset write-off permanent, lifts VCLP cap to $480m
Treasurer Jim Chalmers' 2026–27 federal budget delivers a permanent instant asset write-off and expanded venture capital incentives for Australian technology startups, but capital gains tax reforms that raise the effective rate on long-held equity have drawn sharp criticism from founders and investors.
Budget locks in $654m for Digital ID, lifts tech spend to $2.4bn
The 2026-27 federal budget allocates $654.3 million over four years to sustain Australia's Digital ID system, part of a $2.4 billion technology spending package that also shores up My Health Record.
Chalmers lifts VC fund caps after 20-year freeze
Treasurer Jim Chalmers will lift the asset caps on Australia's venture capital tax-incentive programs for the first time in more than 20 years, raising the VCLP ceiling to $480 million and unlocking concessional treatment for growth-stage startups.
IREN signs $US3.4b Nvidia AI cloud contract, founder slams Australian regulation
Sydney-founded IREN has signed a five-year, $US3.4 billion managed cloud deal with Nvidia, and used the announcement to renew its founder's public criticism of Australian listing rules, planning timelines and grid connections.
Broome students flag 'alt' accounts routing teens past Australia's under-16 ban
Students at Broome Senior High School say teenagers are still on social media via anonymous 'alt' accounts six months after Australia's under-16 ban took effect. eSafety says formal investigations into Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube continue.
WA extends $A4.6m ClassmAIte AI lesson-planning pilot through 2027
Western Australia commits an additional $A4.6 million to push its ClassmAIte teacher AI tool through 2027 and past 100 schools by end-2026. Premier Roger Cook and Education Minister Sabine Winton announced the funding in the 2026-27 state budget.
National AI Centre launches AI.gov.au platform for safe AI adoption
The federal government on Friday launched AI.gov.au, a single platform pulling AI guidance, tools and case studies into one place. The site, delivered by the National AI Centre, is aimed first at SMEs and not-for-profits.
Australia names Cyber Incident Review Board to formalise post-breach lessons
The federal government has named Telstra's Narelle Devine to chair a new Cyber Incident Review Board, formalising no-fault post-mortems of major attacks under the Cyber Security Act 2024. Six other members were appointed from NBN Co, Boeing, Allens, Toll, SA Power Networks and UNSW.
Australian startups warn CGT overhaul could blunt R&D tax incentive boost
Australian startup founders and tax advisers say proposed cuts to the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount risk undercutting an expected lift to the R&D Tax Incentive cap, days before Treasurer Jim Chalmers hands down the 12 May 2026 federal budget.
