Treasurer Jim Chalmers faces mounting pressure to curb inflation by reducing spending in the upcoming mid‑year budget update, with particular scrutiny on green energy subsidies for households. The home‑battery scheme, which has provided a taxpayer‑backed 30 percent rebate to households and businesses since July of last year, is drawing the most attention. Critics also highlight the economic case for scaling back nuclear‑powered submarine projects and diesel fuel rebates for miners. The debate centers on whether these subsidies should be trimmed amid broader fiscal concerns.
EVs and home batteries are in Treasury crosshairs despite a better economic case for scaling back nuclear-powered submarines and diesel fuel rebates for miners Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAs Jim Chalmers, the treasurer, comes under increasing pressure to fight inflation by slashing spending in the mid-year budget update, the drumbeat is loudest for cuts in one specific area: green energy subsidies for households.Receiving the most focus is the cheaper home batteries program, which from July last year has offered a taxpayer-backed 30% rebate to households and businesses. Continue reading...
