Federal Tax Overhaul: Treasurer Jim Chalmers has introduced Budget 2026 legislation to Parliament, moving to scrap the 50% capital gains tax discount, limit negative gearing to newly built homes, and add a $250-a-year Working Australians Tax Offset plus a $1,000 standard deduction—setting up a fast, high-conflict fight in the Senate and with business over carve-outs and impacts on investment. Senate Scrutiny Clash: The bill is automatically referred to a Senate committee for a three-week inquiry, with the Greens pressing for tighter scrutiny of “grandparenting” and whether ultra-wealthy tax handouts are being left in place. Housing Supply Push: Housing Minister Clare O’Neil backs a $39.3m trial of modular “kit of parts” construction to speed builds, drawing on Scandinavian-style prefabrication. Integrity & Oversight: Former NACC commissioner Paul Brereton has resigned early amid questions about conflicts and the watchdog’s handling of referrals, while ACT’s CIT faces whistleblower allegations about unsafe EV training. Accountability in Action: Australia has launched major legal action against 3M over PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam, seeking more than $2bn in damages. Public Sector Watch: ABC executives faced questions at Senate Estimates over refusing the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism and over a paid creator program tied to Labor coaching.