Climate change featured heavily during the election and now the Albanese Government is putting into place some of the promises it made. We look at the current state of play and the likely impact.
The Government’s Climate Change Bill passed the House of Representatives in early August and is now before the
Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for review. But what impact does the legislation have on business and
consumers in Australia?
Under the Paris
Agreement,
a legally binding international treaty, Australia and 192 other parties committed to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas
emissions to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius while pursuing efforts to limit the increase
even further to 1.5 degrees. At this level, the more extreme impacts of climate change - floods, heatwaves, rising sea levels, threats
to food production - can be arrested. As part of this commitment, the parties are required to communicate their emissions reduction
ambitions through a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). On 16 June 2022, Australia communicated its updated NDC to the UN,
confirming Australia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and a new, increased target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 (a
15% increase on the previous target). The Climate Change Bill enshrines these emission targets into legislation.
The Bill itself sets an accountability framework for climate targets but does not introduce mechanisms to cut emissions.
Impacted industries
The energy sector is at the heart of climate change producing around three-quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Australia, the CSIRO says energy contributes approximately 33.6% of all emissions, with a further 20.54% from stationary energy (from manufacturing, mining, residential and commercial fuel use), transport 17.6%, and agriculture 14.6%. The future of the energy industry is also at the crux of the Government Powering Australia policy.
2023 has been a tricky year for commercial property investors. However, the tourism and industrial sectors have continued to be the strongest performers.
If your work Christmas party is out of the office, keep the cost of your celebrations below $300 per person if you want to avoid paying FBT.
Sellers who list their properties during the holiday season are typically motivated for a quick sale.
As the calendar approaches the year's end, car manufacturers are keen to make space for the latest models set to hit the market in the new year.
Cash flow issues can be particularly challenging during the holiday period, so business owners need to be on guard and plan ahead.
While giving gifts and spending time with family is important, if you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important that you keep your finances on track.
Recent research shows why giving to others can provide us with a mental boost. We feel happier when we have a choice in how and who we give, and when we see the results of our generosity.
Spending big over Christmas can risk undoing good budget habits. Thinking differently opens up lots of opportunities to spend less while still experiencing the joys of the season.
Rising interest rates hit smaller companies. Now it looks like the rate rise cycle could be coming to an end.
We step through recent research that shows why giving to others can provide us with a mental boost.
As the holiday season approaches, it's crucial to consider how your spending habits may influence especially when it comes to utilising easy credit options.
A budgeting app is an app designed to help you optimise the spending and savings choices you make each month.
We'll dive into some of the everyday mistakes and tricky grouping issues that small businesses often encounter when dealing with payroll tax.
Maintaining control over cash flow is undeniably a complex balancing act. It's a challenge that lacks a quick and universal solution.
This article aims to shed light on red-flag indicators that may suggest it's time to consider changing accountants, providing insights into the reasons behind such a decision.
Prepare Your Business for a Successful New Year - Challenging conditions, unpredictable supply chains, and increasing inflation highlight the importance of expert financial support.
A dedicated construction and trade accountant possesses an in-depth understanding of the sector's unique requirements and intricacies.
The journey often begins with businesses adopting simple ownership structures, yet as they progress and expand, intricate challenges emerge.
While any accountant can handle trade-related finances, opting for a specialist in the trades industry offers unique advantages.
Regularly monitoring your income and expenses is crucial. These practices will help keep your financial standing robust.
Several options when it comes to acquiring earthmoving equipment. One of the most common choices is to own the equipment outright.
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, more than half of Australian mothers expect their children to graduate from university.
Despite an increase in the region’s office vacancy rate the Gold Coast office market is facing a shortage of office space within the next three years.
Education is the gateway to unlocking opportunities and creating a brighter future. While various methods to establish an education fund, Investment Bonds are frequently contemplated.
Industrial assets are expected to retain their position as a favoured option among the commercial property market due to their strong relative returns.
A proficient financial adviser collaborates with you to understand your goals and overall desired financial and lifestyle outcomes
Despite the 13 interest rate increases in 19 months, your mortgage interest rate could and should still start with a ‘5’.
If you have an investment property loan and redraw on the loan for a different purpose the loan account becomes a mixed purpose account.
A recent case before the AAT demonstrates how fine the dividing line is between GST-free and taxable foods.
When it comes to financing your new car it’s possible to use either a low-doc car loan or a full-doc car loan.
A well-thought-out plan is the first step toward executing a cost-effective renovation.
Treasury has released draft legislation for consultation to enact the Government’s plan to increase tax rate superannuation balances above $3m from 15% to 30% from 1 July 2025.
Australian properties from overseas property seekers have risen 11.5 percent in the past three months. Meanwhile, rent searches are up 7.8 percent from the same demographic.
“Wage-theft” is illegal in Queensland, South Australia and Victoria under State laws.
The statistics on employer superannuation guarantee (SG) compliance look pretty good with over $71 billion, collected without intervention from the regulators in 2020-21.
A bridging loan allows you to acquire your next property before selling your current one, streamlining the transition between homes.
With inflation remaining high, interest rates are likely to stay at elevated levels for some time.
A crucial lesson for all budding startups is that maintaining a healthy cash flow is a pivotal factor in ensuring the long-term survival of your business.
Accountants play a crucial role in providing expertise and guidance to businesses during their startup and initial growth stages.
Aged care financial advice involves addressing a range of complex and unique issues that necessitate careful consideration.
Your credit score is an important factor that all lenders use to decide if they are prepared to lend to you.
As your business grows and evolves, your financial needs change too. Here are five signs that it might be time to consider upgrading to a larger, more specialised accounting firm.
Paying off your home loan reduces your mortgage debt and increases the equity you have in your property.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may be nearing the end of its interest rate hiking cycle, but the Australian economy is already feeling the effects.
The recent rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have understandably put borrowers under pressure.
Property investors that choose to utilise their property for short-term stays (or leave it vacant) are firmly in the sights of the regulators.
| The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review, and the numbers are in. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum wage will rise by 5.97%, and modern award minimum rates will increase by 4.75%. |
Now's the time to review what strategies you can use to minimise your tax before 30 June.
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