Jim Chalmers 2022

Today I have agreed to the clear recommendation from the Foreign Investment Review Board to not object to Hanwha’s proposal to increase its shareholding in Austal Limited from 9.9 per cent to 19.9 per cent, subject to strict conditions.

My decision was not taken lightly and comes after extensive consultation and long and careful deliberation.

The Albanese Labor Government will expand Australia’s Antarctic Program and create jobs and opportunities in Tasmania.

This is about more jobs and investment in Tasmania and more funding for our scientists and our experts.

It’s a big investment that backs Tasmania, backs our scientists, backs our environment and our economy.

It includes funding for:

We have directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to extend its fuel price monitoring program for an extra five years.

This is about making sure consumers get a better deal at the bowser through better competition and the ACCC’s quarterly reports play an important role in that.

Today the independent Reserve Bank of Australia Monetary Policy Board kept interest rates on hold at 3.60 per cent as expected.

While millions of Australians would have preferred more rate relief, this decision was widely anticipated by economists and markets.

Nicola Willis:

Good afternoon. It’s great to be here with you today alongside Treasurer Chalmers and Minister Bowen and Minister Watts for this Climate and Finance 2+2. We are delighted to be welcoming our Australian friends here today in recognition of what is one of the closest economic relationships in the world.

Australia and New Zealand have agreed to new measures to help unlock the golden economic opportunities of the net zero transformation and streamline and modernise regulation.

This is all about cheaper and cleaner energy for households and businesses, and boosting trade, investment, and productivity on both sides of the Tasman through clear and constructive climate action.