GRACosway Pty Ltd

Making news this week, Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister Katy Gallagher released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, forecasting a $26.9 billion deficit and signalling a review of key tax concessions. In international relations, Prime Minister Albanese successfully negotiated the repatriation of five Australians from the ‘Bali Nine’ with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting strengthened diplomatic ties. Finally, Minister Ed Husic announced the development of a National AI Capability Plan, aiming to position Australia at the forefront of the global tech sector by 2025. To stay up to date on the latest political developments across the nation, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup.  #AusPol #Politics #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #EconomicPolicy #InternationalRelations #Innovation #FederalParliament #AI

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), revealing a modest improvement in Australia’s fiscal position, with the deficit narrowing by $1.4 billion since the May Budget. The MYEFO highlights key Government priorities, including essential investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and support for vulnerable Australians, alongside an ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility. Despite a projected deficit of $26.9 billion for 2024-25, strong employment figures have helped boost tax receipts, while spending on services like the NDIS and Free TAFE places continues to support the community. For more details on the MYEFO and its fiscal outlook, read our analysis below. #AusPol #EconomicOutlook #FiscalPolicy #MYEFO2024 #GovernmentSpending #Healthcare #Education #Infrastructure #PublicAffairs #EconomicGrowth #SustainableFuture #NDIS #Jobs #GovernmentBudget

The latest Newspoll shows Labor and the Coalition tied 50-50 on a two-party preferred basis, with Anthony Albanese maintaining his lead as preferred Prime Minister over Peter Dutton. The Federal Government has pledged $1 billion for universal childcare, introducing a three-day guarantee aimed at supporting families in outer suburban and regional areas. The Coalition unveiled a $325 billion plan to include nuclear energy in Australia’s electricity mix by 2050, fueling debates over its cost and impact on the nation’s energy transition. To stay up to date on the latest political developments across the nation, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #Politics #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #EnergyTransition #NetZero #ChildcareReform

Making news this week, Australia strengthened its international ties through high-level meetings in Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand, focusing on trade, defence, and Asia-Pacific challenges. The Federal Government announced a $10 million grant to Fortescue’s Fast Charger for Heavy Battery Electric Vehicles project, advancing mining electrification and clean energy innovation. Meanwhile, new measures to combat SMS scams were unveiled, including a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register to protect consumers and enhance digital trust. To stay up to date on the latest political and industry developments, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #InternationalRelations #CleanEnergy #CyberSecurity #DigitalTrust #AsiaPacific #FederalParliament

Making news this week, the Greens backed the Government’s housing measures, securing the passage of the Help to Buy Bill 2023 and Build-to-Rent tax concessions, offering relief for first-home buyers and renters. Parliament also passed key legislation reforming the Reserve Bank of Australia, modernising its structure to better address economic challenges. Meanwhile, the 2024 Annual Climate Change Statement projected a 42.6% reduction in emissions by 2030, underscoring Australia’s commitment to renewable energy and climate action. To stay informed on the latest political developments, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #WeeklyWrapUp #EconomicReform #HousingAffordability #ClimateAction #PublicAffairs #FederalParliament

Our NZ colleagues GRC Partners + Porter Novelli marked the one-year anniversary of the New Zealand Coalition Government with their insightful commentary 'Drama, Landmines and that Haka: The Coalition One Year On'   Recommended reading to understand the political and policy environment across the Tasman and implications for your business. #NZPol #PublicAffairs #PoliticalCommentary #Insights  

Making news this week, the Coalition blocked the Government's plan to cap international student enrolments, halting the progress of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill. Meanwhile, key reforms, including the NBN Public Ownership Bill and Robodebt oversight measures, were passed in the House. At the G20 Summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Albanese held talks with global leaders, including President Xi Jinping, focusing on regional stability and the transition to net zero. The Government also announced a $125 million investment in renewable energy partnerships with Pacific nations. To stay up to date on the latest political developments across the nation, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #Politics #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #InternationalRelations #FinanceUpdate #EconomicPolicy #Infrastructure #Education #Health #FederalParliament #RenewableEnergy #G20 #NetZero

This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese represented Australia on the global stage at the APEC Summit in Peru and the G20 Summit in Brazil, reaffirming Australia's commitment to climate action and regional partnerships. On the economic front, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced the “New Economy on Five Pillars of Productivity,” backed by a $900m National Productivity Fund. Digital safety is also front and centre, as Communications Minister Michelle Rowland introduced new Duty of Care obligations for digital platforms to protect Australians online. To stay up to date on the latest political developments across the nation, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #Politics #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #AUKUS #FinanceUpdate #EconomicPolicy #Infrastructure #Education #Health #FederalParliament #CostOfLiving

We’re thrilled to share that GRACosway's Sophie Hull will be joining colleagues from CLEMENGER GROUP LIMITED in this year’s Tour de Cure Australia's VIC Discovery Tour where the team will cycle 380kms over three days from Halls Gap to Melbourne raising vital funds for cancer research. This is Sophie’s first charity ride and after months of training, she’s up for the challenge saying “I’ve learned to look at a big hill and get excited about pushing up it. Probably a good metaphor for life!” Since its founding, Tour de Cure has raised over $118 million in funding for more than 1,000 projects and published 144 cancer breakthroughs. If you'd like to join us in supporting Sophie’s journey and help make a difference to cancer research you can donate here: https://bit.ly/4eyzI1i 

Following the 2024 US Presidential Election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated President-elect Donald Trump. Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of the Australia-US alliance, highlighting AUKUS and the value of robust trade and defence cooperation. In federal updates, Parliament passed major reforms, including the Better and Fairer Schools Bill 2024 to boost funding for public schools and the Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2024 to enhance protections across telecommunications and digital services. To stay up to date on the latest political developments across the nation, subscribe to our free publication: bit.ly/GRACsignup. #AusPol #Politics #PublicAffairs #WeeklyWrapUp #USElection #AUKUS #FinanceUpdate #EconomicPolicy #Infrastructure #Education #Health #FederalParliament #ConsumerProtection #CostOfLiving