Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers is facing pressure from business groups and Labor MPs to pursue comprehensive tax reform that boosts investment and makes the tax system fairer, particularly for younger Australians and companies. The Albanese government's Economic Reform Roundtable has sparked debate about potential tax changes, with some critics concerned that the government may be considering policies not previously disclosed to voters. Chalmers has praised reports urging company tax reform but has not confirmed whether any proposals will be included in the next budget. Meanwhile, Australians are experiencing some of the highest tax burdens in recent history, with signals that these may increase to address government spending promises. Separately, in the UK, energy regulator Ofgem has announced a 2% increase in the average dual fuel tariff, raising typical household gas and electricity bills to £1,755 annually. This rise comes despite earlier expectations of falling energy costs and has drawn criticism amid ongoing debates about the impact of renewable energy on prices.
Energy prices to rise again, by 2% ahead of winter They are 12% higher than July 24 Labour promised bills would come down - they lied More renewables = higher bills https://t.co/fRXjayUzKz
Within the last few moments Ofgem has confirmed that the average dual fuel tariff is set to increase by 2%. That means that energy bills will rise this winter, despite general expectations that they were set to fall. https://t.co/nCK6dqgxyN
A typical household gas and electricity bill will rise by 2%, under the latest price cap announced by energy regulator Ofgem. It means a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will pay £1,755 a year, up £35 a year on the current cap. https://t.co/Z829Z6IRBJ