Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes Peter Dutton announcing a $20,000 small business tax cut, a State of emergency declared in storm hit areas in the eastern region, Australians lost $319 million in scams last year, and Telstra forming AI joint venture with Accenture.
Nation
Peter Dutton announces $20,000 small business tax cut
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is set to reveal a new tax policy in Brisbane before the federal election, expected on or before May 17, Sky News reported. According to the recently introduced policy, businesses with turnovers of up to $10 million can now benefit from $20,000 tax deductions on expenses related to customer and employee dining and entertainment. Before the policy announcement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Mr Dutton earlier on Sunday. On the other hand, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia expressed their support for the opposition’s tax deduction policy on Sunday.
A state of emergency declared in storm hit areas in the eastern region
Officials declared a natural disaster on Saturday in parts of eastern Australia due to severe storms that have uprooted trees and left tens of thousands without power, Voice of America reported. Since Wednesday, Sydney and New South Wales experienced strong winds reaching 100 kph, heavy rain, and lightning. As of Saturday, around 30,000 properties were still without electricity, down from over 260,000 at peak outages. Disasters have been declared in three local areas, providing residents with access to emergency assistance. Tragically, an elderly man died when a tree fell on his car in Cowra, about 230 kilometres west of Sydney.
https://www.voanews.com/a/australia-declares-disaster-in-areas-of-storm-hit-east/7941544.html
Business
Australians lost $319 million in scams last year
In 2024, Australians reported losses of nearly $319 million due to scams, down from over $476 million in 2023, SBS News reported. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recorded 249,448 scam complaints, with investment scams being the most damaging, accounting for over $192 million in losses. Men were disproportionately affected, losing over $117 million to investment scams, while women lost more than $72 million. The demographic most impacted were those aged 65 and older, with a median loss of $1,000.
Telstra to form AI joint venture with Accenture
The Financial Review reported that Telstra has announced plans to establish a joint venture with Accenture to enhance its data and AI capabilities. The JV will be 60% owned by Accenture and 40% by Telstra, incorporating specialists from both companies. Telstra is set to invest AU$100 million over seven years, totalling $700 million. The joint venture aims to modernize Telstra’s data and AI platforms and ensure responsible AI practices. The proposal is pending approval and includes consultations with employees and unions. If approved, Telstra’s current Data & AI workforce in Australia and India would be invited to join the JV, with the option to transition back to Telstra after seven years.
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