Research
Hawker Britton's occasional papers provide in-depth analysis on the most important public policy issues of the day, across Australia. You can view the Research & Papers Archive here.
East Coast Gas Reservation Scheme
07/05/2026On Thursday 7 May 2026, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, alongside Resources Minister Madeline King and Industry Minister Tim Ayres announced the details of the proposed East Coast Gas Reservation scheme. This follows almost six months of consultation with industry groups and the gas sector. The reservation scheme will require gas exporters to reserve the equivalent of 20% of their total gas exports, with a requirement to sell that gas to the domestic market… Continue reading East Coast Gas Reservation Scheme
Review of Australia’s mutual recognition schemes for workers
06/05/2026On 5 May 2026, the Federal Government opened consultation on the interim findings of the review into Australia’s Mutual Recognition Schemes for workers. This follows the announcement made by the Assistant Minister for Productivity Andrew Leigh, alongside Ministers Giles and Rishworth in February 2026, and an initial round of consultation supported by a Call for Submissions paper, in March and April. … Continue reading Review of Australia’s mutual recognition schemes for workers
2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
16/04/2026On 16 April 2026, Defence Minister the Hon. Richard Marles MP announced the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment Program (IIP) at the National Press Club. The Strategy builds on the inaugural 2024 NDS and is a recognition of the growing volatility on the global stage. In his speech, Marles stated that Australia faces its most complex strategic circumstances since the end of World War II, and the Albanese Government is pursuing every… Continue reading 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program
GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
01/04/20261 April 2026 On Wednesday 1 April 2026, the Treasurer the Hon. Jim Chalmers, the Assistant Treasurer the Hon. Daniel Mulino and the Minister for Small Business the Hon. Anne Aly announced that the Albanese Government is coordinating action with industry and regulators to ease the economic cost of the war in the Middle East… Continue reading GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Australian Fuel Supply
31/03/2026In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its escalating impact on the global energy markets, the Australian Government has activated a coordinated national fuel security response. National Cabinet has agreed to a National Fuel Security Plan, a four-stage escalation framework. Australia is currently operating at Level 2 of this framework, with further stages to be engaged should the… Continue reading Australian Fuel Supply