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Major parties collude to protect weak cash rules

The major parties have colluded to lock in a weak cash mandate that leaves Australians vulnerable to exclusion, the Greens say.

The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Cash Acceptance) Regulations 2025 only applies to large supermarkets and fuel retailers, meaning most essential service providers are not required to accept cash.

“People should be able to use cash for essential goods and services across the economy, not just at a handful of big retailers,” said Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim

“Cash matters for inclusion, choice, access to essentials, and basic resilience when digital systems fail.”

“These regulations are far too narrow. They let most corporations off the hook while pretending to solve the problem.”

Consumer groups have warned the rules hit older Australians, people on low incomes, and regional communities hardest.

A disallowance motion that would have forced Labor to introduce a broader cash mandate was defeated by the combined votes of the major parties today.

“Yet again the Labor and Liberal parties have voted together to protect their corporate mates, and let most big corporations off the hook.”

Coalition will oppose expanding the size of Parliament

The Coalition will strongly oppose any move by the Albanese Government to increase the size of the Australian Parliament, warning it would come at significant cost to taxpayers at a time Australians are already under severe financial pressure.

Analysis from the Parliamentary Budget Office shows that expanding the Parliament could cost taxpayers more than $620 million, including salaries, staff, travel and office costs.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said the Government had its priorities completely wrong.

“At a time when Australian families are tightening their belts, the last thing they should be asked to fund is more politicians,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a Government that cannot manage the economy, cannot control spending, and now wants to make Australians pay for a bigger Parliament.

“This is more spending, more bureaucracy, and more pressure on the budget at exactly the wrong time.

“We will protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living, and that starts with living within our means.”

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said the proposal showed how out of touch the Government had become.

“People in regional Australia are doing it tough. They are paying more for fuel, groceries and power,” Senator Canavan said.

“They do not want more politicians in Canberra. They want practical help with the cost of living.

“Now is the time to tighten the belt, not expand the bureaucracy.

“This Government is focused on itself. The Coalition is focused on Australians.”

The Coalition is calling on the Prime Minister to immediately rule out any expansion of the Parliament and instead focus on Australia’s declining living standards and cost of living crisis.

Project to breathe new life into Wickham

City of Newcastle has shared a first look at its plans to renew Wickham’s village heart as it calls for tenders to deliver pedestrian and public domain upgrades on Union Street.

The project will enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists with traffic calming measures and the introduction of a one-way shared zone, while improved lighting, landscaping, seating and paving will reinvigorate the area’s appeal.

Artist's impression of Union Street upgrade An artist’s impression of planned upgrades in Union Street, Wickham.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the upgrades formed part of a broader Wickham Public Domain Plan developed in consultation with the community.

“This is the first project to progress as part of a long-term plan to transform Wickham while celebrating its unique character,” Mr Bath said.

“We worked closely with a number of stakeholders including local community group Great Lifestyle of Wickham during the development of the Public Domain Plan and are pleased to now be moving forward with the first project.

“By breathing new life into Union Street, we will create a sense of place and character for everyone who lives, works or spends time in Wickham.

“We are inviting tenders from experienced contractors to help City of Newcastle bring this vision to life, with a view to commence construction around October this year.”

Artist's impression Union Street An artist’s impression of planned upgrades in Union Street, Wickham.

The project, which takes in the area on Union Street between Station and Throsby streets, will also include improved stormwater infrastructure, upgrades to the roadway and new line marking for cyclists.

Specialist heritage advice will be sought to guide the reuse of materials, such as patterned stone pavers that presently line Union Street, with work to preserve and restore the pavers expected to begin in June.

The main construction work is scheduled for later this year, following the award of the tender.

Community consultation on the Wickham Public Domain Plan was undertaken in February 2023, with 74% of respondents supportive of the proposed pedestrian network improvements and traffic calming devices.

The plan was adopted in November 2023 and sets out a number of improvements that will be delivered over many years by both City of Newcastle and third parties, including developers.

Mr Bath said Wickham is playing a key role in the strategic shift of Newcastle’s business hub to the city’s west end, with connections to multiple modes of public transport.

“Wickham’s transformation is continuing from its semi-industrial past into a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, with ongoing interest from investors and developers and an increase in residents calling the suburb home,” Mr Bath said.

“The Wickham Public Domain Plan provides a clear, shared vision for future improvements to public spaces and aims to create a welcoming and positive environment while also improving safety and accessibility.”

East End Village evolution nears latest milestone

A key section of Wolfe Street has been reopened as City of Newcastle puts the finishing touches on the latest phase of the East End Village revitalisation project.

The multimillion-dollar upgrade includes the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe Streets, and Wolfe Street between King and Scott Streets.

Daracon's Scott Myers and Gabriel Ascanio, City of Newcastle's Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon and project manager Kate Summers, Daracon's Michael Rummery and Marc Veronese in the Hunter Street Mall Daracon’s Scott Myers and Gabriel Ascanio, City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure Robert Dudgeon and project manager Kate Summers, Daracon’s Michael Rummery and Marc Veronese in the Hunter Street MallNew footpaths, road surfaces and the latest stretch of a separated cycleway will make it easier to navigate this area of the former Hunter Street Mall, while significant stormwater and underground infrastructure upgrades have enhanced and future-proofed key services for residents and businesses.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle’s vision for a more liveable and vibrant city centre is taking shape.

“Our East End Village project is reinstating the former Hunter Street Mall as a traditional high street, making it a better place to live for the growing number of residents that are calling the area home,” Mr Bath said.

“We are ensuring our city centre is more people-focused, making it easier to navigate and a much nicer place to spend time, which provides a boost to local businesses and our economy.”

Since construction started on East End Village project in 2021, City of Newcastle has invested more than $16 million over three phases into the revitalisation of the former Hunter Street Mall.

To date, this has delivered extensive streetscape upgrades to Hunter Street from Brown to Wolfe Street, and the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins Streets.

City of Newcastle Interim Executive Director City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, thanked residents and businesses for their support throughout construction.

“We’ve worked closely with local businesses and stakeholders to maintain access and continuity of trade, while delivering upgrades that will support the area into the future,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“I’m particularly pleased with how we’re making our city centre an attractive place for everyone to spend time by improving accessibility and landscaping in the area, and that will continue through future stages of the project.”

Final line marking works on the latest section of separated cycleway, along with finishing touches like paver installations and clean-up of the area, will be completed in April.

The focus will then switch to the next phase of the project, with upgrades on Hunter Street, Market Street, and Newcomen Street.

City of Newcastle is currently assessing tenders for this section of the revitalisation project, which is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.

The project is planned to start once these funding arrangements have been finalised.

For more on the East End Village project, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/east-end.

10 ways to save on fuel and household costs

With fuel prices on the rise, many Newcastle households are feeling the pinch.

If you’re looking for ways to use less fuel, save money and take control of your energy costs, there are practical steps you can take right now. Small changes can add up.

Ride or walk for small trips

For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling. It’s free, healthy and often quicker for local trips. Check out some Newcastle cycleways that can make riding to work or the shops easier.

Been a while since you rode? We regularly offer free bike checks and cycling and maintenance courses.

Get help to cycle safely to school

Our free school holiday workshops support high school students to build cycling skills and confidence.

Led by experienced instructors, these sessions can help your kids ride safely, giving you the option to leave the car at home for school trips.

Catch public transport

Buses, trains and light rail can be a cheaper alternative to driving, especially for daily trips. More people are choosing public transport, making it a practical option to reduce fuel and commuting costs.

Plan your trip using Transport for NSW’s Trip Planner.

Try carpooling

Carpooling with colleagues, friends or neighbours can reduce fuel costs and traffic. Sharing trips is a simple way to make regular travel more affordable. Ask around and you’ll be surprised who is also traveling in the same direction as you! There are also carpooling apps like Moovl or RideMates.

Cut your energy costs in minutes

Many households are paying too much for energy. Our Better Green Bills program helps you find the cheapest renewable electricity plan in minutes using your real usage data.

Get a free 12-month subscription and join the other Newcastle households saving an average of $368 a year through Better Green Bills.

Future-proof your home

Switching your home to electric appliances and powering them with renewable energy can reduce your reliance on rising fuel and gas costs. This could include heating, cooking, hot water and even your car. Get free, independent and personalised advice on electrification, solar, batteries and rebates through Go Electric Newcastle.

Go Electric Newcastle is useful for everyone – whether you rent or own, live in a free standing or strata household.

Renting? Try a portable induction cooktop

If you use gas for cooking, a portable induction cooktop is a simple, low-cost alternative. It’s efficient, fast and can help reduce your gas bill, especially when paired with solar. You can borrow one for free from Newcastle Libraries to try before you buy.

Use fuel price comparison tools

Fuel prices can vary across Newcastle. Visit NSW FuelCheck to find the cheapest fuel near you and check availability before you fill up.

Check rebates and support

NSW Government offers rebates and incentives to help reduce energy costs, including public transport concessions, toll relief and energy bill rebates. Checking what you are eligible for could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year.

10. Consider a staycation

A staycation in Newcastle can save money on fuel or flights while still offering plenty to see and do. Explore Newcastle’s beaches, galleries, nature walks and events. Be inspired at Visit Newcastle

Major milestone for the Tripoli Way extension: Final designs released

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to extend the Tripoli Way, with the release of the final designs for the transformational project.

This milestone comes after the Minns Government invested a further $20 million towards the project in August last year, bringing the total NSW Government investment in the project to over $40 million.

With the designs now completed, Shellharbour City Council is progressing through the tender process with preferred contractors for the main construction works.

The release of the design follows years of detailed planning, technical investigations and consultation on one of the region’s biggest infrastructure projects, which has been on the books since 1961.

Set to ease congestion through the main streets of Albion Park and Calderwood, the extension of this road will future proof the area, as more houses are built in the growing region.

Key design features include:

A two‑kilometre road corridor
A 30‑metre bridge over Hazelton Creek
Three signalised intersections
Four traffic lanes between Terry Street and Moles Street
Two traffic lanes between Moles Street and Broughton Avenue
Connections to the Illawarra Highway delivered in collaboration with Transport for NSW

Construction is set to begin later this year, with the project expected to be completed in late 2028.

More information about the Tripoli Way extension is available at: https://letschatshellharbour.com/tripoli-way-extension-project

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“This is a significant milestone, and one that brings us one step closer to delivering infrastructure that will service communities like ALbion Park and Calderwood now and into the future.

“As more and more people choose to call the Illawarra home, The Minns Government is investing in the infrastructure we need to support this growth.

“This project will ease congestion and take pressure off our roads while ensuring our region remains well connected.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a great day for the communities of Albion Park and Calderwood.

“For twelve years, the former Government neglected communities like Albion Park and Calderwood. These communities have been waiting too long for the essential infrastructure they need to thrive.

“This is a story that growing communities across regional NSW know all too well. The Minns Government has been working to fix the Liberals’ mess, building better roads for regional communities across the state.

“Since coming into Government, we’ve invested over $40 million in this project, working with Shellharbour City Council to ensure this critical piece of infrastructure is built.

“I want to thank one of this project’s strongest advocates, Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney, for her ongoing advocacy to drive this project forward.

“It was her advocacy during the 2023 election and 2025 by-election that has helped secure $40 million in NSW Government investment for this project”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is a major step forward for our community, and our people in Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar have been waiting a long time to see.

“I understand the impact of congestion and pressure on our roads, and this project is about fixing that and making everyday trips safer and easier.

“As our community continues to grow, it’s critical we deliver the infrastructure to match. The Tripoli Way extension will help ease congestion, support local jobs and keep our region moving.

“I’ll keep advocating to make sure this project is delivered and that our community gets the infrastructure it deserves.”

Mayor of Shellharbour City Council, Chris Homer said:

“The new Tripoli Way Road is one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects and it will improve safety, reduce congestion in Albion Park and Calderwood.”

“The extension will ease congestion at key choke points, reduce pressure on local streets and make it safer and easier for people to move across the city, while supporting a more accessible and connected Albion Park town centre while also supporting the housing crisis through the delivery of infrastructure for homes.”

Shoring up Shellharbour Breakwall: Funding secured for critical repairs

The Shellharbour Breakwall will soon see its first major repair works in over a decade, following a $4 million investment by the Minns Labor Government.

The works will ensure the Shellharbour Breakwater can be safely enjoyed by the community again, while preserving an important local heritage landmark for future generations.

The repair work will take place following a heritage design to ensure the integrity and character of the structure is retained while also incorporating safety upgrades, including:

Repairing the deteriorated concrete crest
Installing breakwater edge protection where drops exceed 1 metre
Improving pedestrian access by widening pathways
Assessing and mitigating risks associated with the rock shelf below sections of the breakwater

Detailed design and planning works will now commence, with construction expected to begin in mid-to-late 2027.

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Shellharbour Breakwall is a much-loved local landmark, and we’re making sure it can be safely reopened for the community to enjoy.

“The reality is that this much-loved community asset should never have gotten to this state of disrepair. The current state of the Shellharbour Breakwall is a clear result of the former Government’s decade of neglect on regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government has taken a different approach. Across the state, just like here in Shellharbour, we’ve been cleaning up the Liberals’ mess.

“This investment means we can preserve its heritage while making practical improvements to safety and access.

“I thank the hardworking Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson, Shellharbour Council and the local community for their strong advocacy for these repairs.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said:

“This is a practical investment in a valued community asset that locals have been calling for.

“It means families and visitors will be able to safely enjoy the breakwall again, while protecting an important piece of our local history.”

Acting Executive Director, NSW Maritime, Nicole Watts said:

“This work will involve careful design to balance improved public access with the safety of the community.

“We’ll now move into detailed design and planning to ensure the right solution is delivered for this important coastal asset.”

Vision for Sydney Olympic Park: Homes, Jobs and a Greener Future

A bold new future has been set for Sydney Olympic Park, as both a world class sport and entertainment precinct and vibrant community with homes and jobs.

The precinct’s future will be guided by the Minns Labor Government’s finalised Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan 2050. The finalised plan increases the homes planned for the precinct by 2000 so more families can live close to jobs, schools, transport and other amenities.

The Master Plan continues to support the 640-hectare precinct as a vibrant sports and entertainment hub while also delivering a diverse mix of housing, retail and commercial spaces.

Key features of the Master Plan include:

Building up to 13,000 additional homes to provide a total of 15,000 homes, including up to 20 percent affordable housing on Government owned land and 5 per cent on private land.
Increasing the capacity for up to 26,000 jobs by unlocking investment in innovation, culture, and commercial precincts.
Delivering more for families with 10 new playgrounds, 9 new outdoor public spaces and 4 new sports fields.
Protecting and enhancing 430 hectares of public open space, increasing tree canopy and boosting biodiversity including wetlands and parklands.
Protecting and celebrating our first nations heritage in the area.
Providing cultural and recreational opportunities with a cultural centre, library and community hub, and sports and leisure centre planned for the precinct.
Dedicating land for schools, to support a thriving, inclusive suburb.
Continuing to support a vibrant night-time economy for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Alongside the Master Plan we’re also working to establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in Sydney Olympic Park to reinforce the precincts evolution into a vibrant mixed-use destination.

This vision will come to life over the next 25 years, the proposed growth aligning with major infrastructure upgrades like Sydney Metro West, the Parramatta Light Rail extension, and infrastructure upgrades such as the state and federally funded upgrade to the Homebush Bay Drive roundabout.

The finalisation of the Master Plan follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation, with changes incorporated based on stakeholder and community input. For more information and to view the final Master Plan, visit https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

To complement the Master Plan we’ve also released new Environmental Guidelines which continue Sydney Olympic Park’s legacy from the ‘Green Games’ as a leader in sustainability. For more information on the guidelines https://www.sydneyolympicpark.nsw.gov.au/master-plan

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better and more vibrant communities right across NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“More than 25 years on from the Sydney Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park remains a world class hub for sport and entertainment and now a growing community while maintaining the legacy of the ‘Green Games’.

“The 2050 Master Plan builds on this, maintaining what we love most about the precinct while guiding growth so the precinct can support up to 26,000 jobs and 15,000 homes by 2050.

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government supporting vibrant communities and aligning housing growth with transport and infrastructure capacity so people can live, work and play close to home in a community they choose.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I am thrilled to see the Sydney Olympic Park Master Plan finalised and the benefits it will bring for our local community.

“Sydney Olympic Park will be seamlessly connected to major transport infrastructure, including Sydney Metro West.

“The precincts public transport links will be matched with strong pedestrian and cycling connections, so residents and visitors can enjoy easy, sustainable access to jobs, schools, and everything our community has to offer.”

Sydney Olympic Park Authority CEO Neisha D’Souza said:

“This is a momentous day for Sydney Olympic Park.

“The Master Plan 2050 is the catalyst for investment and growth – bringing certainty and unlocking opportunity. We’re proudly creating a place that celebrates its history while embracing a future of innovation, culture, and community-first design.”

Free family fun hopping into Easter

The Minns Labor Government is hopping into Easter with a bountiful basket of free family fun so everyone can make the most of their time off without breaking the bank.

With cost-of-living and fuel cost pressures front of mind for many households, there’s no need to spend a fortune when the best activities Sydney has to offer are free.

Across Sydney, free events include:

A Disco on Saturday 4 April, from 3pm to 7pm, at Tumbalong park.
Friday night Latin Dance classes, from 6pm to 10pm at Palm Grove, Darling Harbour
Poppy making workshops to honour the Anzacs from 11am to 1pm, from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April, at the always free, Rocks Discovery Museum.
Sunday morning Yoga at 8:30am and 9:30am at Dawes Point Park under the Harbour bridge.
Biennale of Sydney at the historic White Bay Power Station which is open for free from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday to Sunday, excluding public holidays until 14 June.
Family day with Gul Collective people of all ages can join a creative fibre and textile workshop from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 4 April at White Bay Power Station.
Penrith Beach community day from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday 4 April which will bring the beach to life with a DJ, food trucks and the lure of free ice-creams and hot drinks for the first 300 visitors.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is also running a promotion so one child under the age of 12 gets free entry with any adult ticket purchased ($12 entry for adults, kids under 5 are always free).

Families can also use the break to explore these attractions which are always free:

Swimming at Marrinawi Cove or Penrith Beach.
Cycling, strolling, relaxing or picnicking at Sydney Olympic Park’s lookouts, boardwalks or cycle tracks.
Discovering the fun of Disc Golf at Newington Armory.
Exploring the world class Botanic Gardens, in the centre of Sydney or in Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
Enjoying nature play at Ian Potters Children’s WILD play garden at Centennial Park open daily from 10am to 5pm
Getting back to nature by walking, cycling and playing at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands.
Exploring the public art at Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on bringing more free and fun events to NSW with activities for the whole family.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is bursting with fun and free family activities this Easter long weekend.

“From craft workshops to discos, art exhibitions and great public open spaces there is something for everyone and their families and friends to enjoy for free.”

Oil Price “Flashpoint”: Data Reveals Direct Correlation Between Fuel Spikes and Insolvencies

Key facts:
· Research shows strong correlation between global oil prices and Australian corporate insolvencies over the past 25 years
· Record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024-25 primarily attributed to COVID hangover rather than oil prices
· Oil price projections of $90-100 USD per barrel expected to create a Multiplier Effect on existing business pressures
· Oil impacts business failures through four channels: transport costs, raw material prices, reduced consumer spending, and interest rate pressure
· Government’s temporary fuel excise cut deemed insufficient for long-term crisis management, with calls for more sustained support measures

New analysis released today by Halo Advisory has identified a stark correlation between global oil prices and the rate of corporate insolvency appointments in Australia. The findings, drawn from ASIC insolvency records, RBA cash rate data, and ABS statistics, suggest that the current volatility in the Middle East could be the “Tipping Point” for thousands of SMEs already struggling with inflationary pressures.
The report highlights a consistent trend spanning over two decades: as the price of a barrel of oil climbs, business failures follow in a predictable wave. This analysis identifies that each of the three major oil price surges of the past 25 years—the 2000 spike to $28.50/bbl, the 2006–2008 run to nearly $97/bbl, and the sustained $108–$111/bbl period from 2011 to 2013—was accompanied by a meaningful rise in Australian insolvency appointments in the same or immediately following year.
The 2026 “Multiplier Effect”
While the record 14,722 insolvencies in 2024–25 represent the highest figure in the 25-year dataset, the surge was primarily a “COVID hangover” rather than oil-driven. During 2020–22, insolvency volumes were artificially suppressed to historic lows by JobKeeper, ATO debt forbearance, and safe harbour provisions. The current surge represents a “catch-up” of deferred failures now meeting the reality of higher interest rates and intensified ATO enforcement.
However, with oil prices projected to remain at $90–$100 USD per barrel over the coming months, Brent crude is set to become the primary “Multiplier Effect” on top of these existing pressures.
“The data doesn’t lie. Every major peak in oil prices has preceded a surge in business collapses,” says Greg Bartels, Director of Halo Advisory. “We are currently seeing Brent Crude jump from a 2025 average of $71.91 to a forecasted $85.00+ in 2026. This isn’t just about the cost of filling up the delivery van; it’s about the massive inflationary shock that ripples through the entire supply chain”.
Why Oil is the “Lead Indicator” for Failure
According to Bartels, oil is a “non-discretionary” cost driver that transmits almost immediately into business cash flows, unlike interest rates which operate with a lag of 12 to 24 months. The mechanism works through four simultaneous channels:
· Transport and Logistics: Freight and delivery companies pass on fuel surcharges almost immediately, raising input costs for every business in the supply chain.
· Raw Material and Input Prices: Oil is a base component for plastics, packaging, chemicals, and fertilizers. A sustained price spike flows through to virtually every manufactured good within weeks.
· Consumer Spending Contraction: As households absorb higher fuel costs at the pump, discretionary spending on retail, hospitality, and services contracts—directly cutting revenue for the SMEs most represented in insolvency data.
· Interest Rate Pressure: Rising oil prices serve as a primary driver of headline inflation, which can force central banks to maintain or increase high interest rates to curb rising costs, further squeezing business margins.
“Small businesses are the ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine’ of the economy, and they’re beginning to show signs of real stress,” adds Bartels. Specifically, the construction and food services sectors, which accounted for over 40% of all external administrations in 2023–24, face structurally higher fuel exposure relative to their margins.
The “Triple Threat” and Government Action
Australian SMEs are currently facing a “Triple Threat”: the unwinding of pandemic-era support, persistently high interest rates, and now a geopolitical fuel spike. Halo Advisory acknowledges the Federal Government’s recent announcement to halve the fuel excise and reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months as a positive step in the right direction. However, while this provides immediate relief, the underlying data suggests that fuel prices are likely to remain elevated well beyond this short-term window.
To mitigate the long-term crisis, Halo Advisory urges the government to look beyond this temporary measure and consider further targeted responses:
· Extended or Trigger-based Relief: Moving towards relief measures that activate automatically during sustained price spikes to provide ongoing certainty for transport-dependent SMEs.
· ATO Forbearance and Interest Reform: Finding a middle road between enforcement and collecting the $34 billion in outstanding SME tax debt. This includes potentially reintroducing tax deductibility for interest charges on ATO tax debts.
· Addressing Director Liability: In 2024–25, 85,000 Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) were issued—a 136% increase on the previous year—making directors personally liable for business debts.
“While the excise cut provides a temporary breather, the ‘cushion’ of cash flow will disappear again the moment it expires if global prices remain high,” Bartels concludes. “We expect the remainder of 2026 to be one of the most challenging periods for SME survival on record”.