Actually, that’s a slight understatement. I
really like it.
Back in the day, living in Melbourne, I might, possibly, have paid for a taxi to get home from a late finish at the office, because the tram would have got me home too late to see the beginning of the Treasurer’s speech.
I know.
But indulge me just for a minute.
See, to me, the Budget is an annual example of what we otherwise see only every few years: Australian democracy in action.
Now, our democracy isn’t perfect (don’t get me started on the need for a Federal ICAC and the lack of long term thinking in the halls of Parliament House!), but for all its faults, it’s pretty bloody good.
Facebook Extends Ban on Federal MP Craig Kelly to Instagram
The Bill would be based on a similar law passed recently in Florida that will penalise social media companies for removing political figures from their platform, with offenders expected to receive fines of around $100,000 for the banning of state-wide candidates.
“The market power of the foreign-controlled tech-giants and their ability to censor political speech is an immediate and direct threat to our democracy,” Kelly told The Epoch Times.
Facebook banned the main page of Kelly following controversial COVID-19-related posts that they claimed was not in line with official health guidelines.
Labor Promises Tax Exemption for Electric Vehicles
Australia’s federal opposition Labor Party announced on March 31 an election pledge that imported electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be subject to import tariffs and the fringe benefits tax (FBT).
During Labor’s national conference, the opposition promised that, if elected, non-luxury EVs that is, those costing less than around $77,565 (US$59,178) will be exempt from a 5 percent import tax, as well as a 47 percent FBT for electric cars provided by work for private use.
More specifically, a $50,000 car could save around $2,000 without the tariff, and be an additional $9,000 cheaper if supplied by an employer.
Prioritising ‘Non-Essential’ Australian Open a Risk, Says Federal Politicians
The Victorian government is accused of misplacing their priorities as the Australian Open draws ire from federal politicians after dozens of international players were put in strict quarantine due to several CCP virus cases.
Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon told Nine Network’s Sunrise on Monday, that while Victoria may need the Australian Open for its economy, he believed that “suppressing the virus needs to be a number one priority.”
“Victoria needs the Australian Open for its economy; the fans want it, I want it. I think everyone does, but what is the correct balance here,” Fitzgibbon said.