For the second year in a row, the Australian Government has delivered a surplus which this year is projected to be $9.3b. As with last year s Budget, the 2024 Budget was delivered against a continued backdrop of inflation (albeit moderation), cost of living pressures, high interest rates, and increasing geopolitical instability. It has tried to walk a fine line of providing incentives in nationally strategic areas (particularly in relation to the energy transition) without fuelling demand pressures which threaten to increase inflation and interest rates. Time will tell whether this will be successful.
The rhetoric on the potential of critical minerals has yet to match reality. Tesla chairman Robyn Denholm has an answer, but will the government listen?
Gaining prominence in vital applications ranging from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and medical treatments are rare earth elements.
Independent senator David Pocock to propose climate change impacts duty of care bill abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.