News and politics recap: Bowen unveils business solar boost under Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme
RECAP: Energy Minister Chris Bowen has unveiled a major expansion of the solar scheme, promising cheaper installations and lower electricity bills for businesses
Scroll down for a recap of the latest news and updates.
Key events
05 Aug 2026 - 06:03 PM
That’s all for today
05 Aug 2026 - 05:57 PM
‘It’s on me’: Bowen won’t shy from energy responsibility
05 Aug 2026 - 05:17 PM
Build it and you can come is Albo’s new migration directive
05 Aug 2026 - 05:02 PM
The Labor minister broken by an aggressive union leader
05 Aug 2026 - 03:46 PM
Labor accused of trying to detonate ‘widow’s tax’ landmine
05 Aug 2026 - 03:37 PM
Tony Burke cancels major migration speech amid Labor split
05 Aug 2026 - 02:20 PM
‘That is a fact’: Andrews denies corrupt conduct findings
05 Aug 2026 - 01:05 PM
Endangered species face ‘extreme risk’ as bird flu spreads
05 Aug 2026 - 10:55 AM
Bowen to expand Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme
05 Aug 2026 - 10:43 AM
‘Quiet majority’ of Aussies pivoting to renewables: Bowen
05 Aug 2026 - 10:38 AM
‘Breathless scare-mongering’: Bowen defends fuel approach
05 Aug 2026 - 09:20 AM
Palmer loses international legal case against Commonwealth
05 Aug 2026 - 08:34 AM
Carroll guarantees transparency, vows stronger IBAC powers
05 Aug 2026 - 08:30 AM
Victorian Premier vows action after explosive IBAC report
05 Aug 2026 - 07:46 AM
Watchdog reveals ‘serious’ conduct by senior ministers
05 Aug 2026 - 07:32 AM
Burke postpones major immigration speech
Labor forced to fix widow’s tax loophole
Labor will amend its controversial negative gearing reforms to fix the so-called “widow’s tax” after a loophole revealed Australians could lose access to negative gearing if they inherited a partner’s share of an investment property following death, divorce or separation.
The Coalition has confirmed it will support the changes, but used the move to accuse the government of another budget backflip and “economic incompetence”.
Speaking on Sunrise, Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie said Labor was “again” being forced to clean up its own mistakes.
“Well, I think what we’re seeing with another backflip from Labor is confirmation of Labor’s economic incompetence,” she said.
Independent MP Allegra Spender welcomed the fix but warned more unintended consequences could emerge, saying the government’s tax reforms had been rushed and lacked sufficient consultation.
