Government & Policy
NZ & Australia — latest government & policy news and analysis
Government & Policy
AUAustralia Deploying $14.8 Billion Fuel Package as Retail Excise Cut Set to Expire
The Australian Government is rolling out its $14.8 billion Strengthening Australia's Fuel Resilience Package to bolster long-term fuel security. However, consumers face immediate retail price rises as the temporary $2.5 billion fuel excise cut expires on June 30, 2026.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Budget 2026 Projects Return to Operating Surplus by 2028/29
New Zealand's Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2026 projects an operating surplus by the 2028/29 fiscal year, one year earlier than previously forecast. The improved outlook is driven by increased tax revenue and spending restraint.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Budget 2026 Delivers $7 Billion Capital Investment Boost for Infrastructure
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered Budget 2026, committing $7 billion in capital funding for key transport, health, and housing projects. The package balances infrastructure catch-up with fiscal prudence amid trimmed growth forecasts.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Details NZ$1.58 Billion Maritime Security Package Ahead of Budget 2026
New Zealand has announced a pre-Budget 2026 investment of NZ$1.58 billion to boost maritime security. The package funds crucial naval fleet maintenance, long-range drone procurement, and a new technology accelerator program.
Government & Policy
NZNZ Budget 2026 includes $70.7 million to strengthen domestic border security
New Zealand's Budget 2026 will allocate $70.7 million over four years to the New Zealand Customs Service to boost domestic border security. This funding forms part of a larger $81.5 million package aimed at combatting organised crime and international drug smuggling.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Government Announces $35 Million Funding Boost for Road Ambulance Services in Budget 2026
The New Zealand Government has unveiled a $35 million funding injection over four years for road ambulance services as part of Budget 2026, targeting infrastructure, technology, and frontline support.
Government & Policy
AUAustralian Federal Budget 2026-27 Delivers Multi-Stage Tax Relief and Deductions for Workers
The Australian Federal Budget 2026-27 introduces a significant package of tax relief measures, including phased income tax rate reductions and a new $1,000 instant tax deduction. Starting July 1, 2026, these measures aim to provide substantial cost-of-living relief and simplify tax compliance.
Government & Policy
NZNZ Government Unveils Social Housing Shakeup: Rent Contribution to Rise to 30%
The New Zealand Government has announced a major restructuring of the social housing system, raising the minimum Income-Related Rent contribution from 25% to 30%. The change is expected to impact 84,000 households while generating $387.5 million in savings to fund private rental support.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Government Announces Major Public Service Overhaul to Achieve $2.4 Billion in Savings
New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced a major public service overhaul targeting 8,700 job cuts and $2.4 billion in savings to fund priority areas like health and education.
Government & Policy
NZNZ First Proposes Compulsory KiwiSaver at Birth and BNZ Buyback Plan
New Zealand First has announced plans to automatically enrol newborns in KiwiSaver with a $1000 contribution and buy back BNZ to create a new state-owned national bank.
Government & Policy
AUAustralia Opts Against Gas Export Controls for Q3 2026 Following Supply Assurances
Minister for Resources Madeleine King has announced that Australia will not implement gas export controls for Q3 2026, citing near-full storage levels and industry assurances.
Government & Policy
NZPrime Minister Christopher Luxon Signals Fiscal Discipline with $2.1 Billion Operating Spending Cap
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced a reduced $2.1 billion operating allowance for Budget 2026, down $300 million from previous estimates. The government will instead prioritise a $5.7 billion capital package to bolster infrastructure and essential services.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Government Introduces Legislation to Raise Fair Trading Penalties to $5 Million
The New Zealand Government has introduced the Fair Trading Amendment Bill, proposing to raise corporate penalties for misleading pricing to $5 million or three times the commercial gain. The legislation aims to deter deceptive practices and protect consumers from pricing errors that cost tens of millions of dollars annually.
Government & Policy
AUAustralian Federal Budget 2026-27 introduces major reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax
The 2026-27 Federal Budget introduces major changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, aiming to help 75,000 more Australians own homes while generating $3.6 billion in revenue.
Government & Policy
NZFourth Petroleum Exploration Permit Application Enters Competitive Process in New Zealand
Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced that a fourth petroleum exploration permit application, covering onshore and offshore Waikato, has entered the competitive process. The application by a three-company joint venture follows the 2025 lifting of the exploration ban.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Government Confirms Abolition of Final-Year Fee-Free University Scheme
The New Zealand government has confirmed it will abolish the final-year fee-free university scheme, effective after the 2026 cohort, citing high costs and low impact on equity.
Government & Policy
NZNew Zealand Government Increases Rates Rebate Scheme to Support Low-Income Homeowners
The New Zealand Government will increase the maximum Rates Rebate to $830 and raise income thresholds starting July 1, 2026, to assist low-income homeowners with rising living costs.
Government & Policy
AUAlbanese Government Unveils A$10.7 Billion National Security and Tax Relief Package
The Albanese government will announce a A$10.7 billion fuel and fertiliser security package in the May 12 Budget, featuring a 1 billion litre fuel reserve and a A$5 billion tax relief scheme for businesses.