SBS News In Depth

The ATO’s credit card tax payment ban is delayed after backlash, but businesses say bigger cost pressures remain.

After fierce criticism from small businesses, the federal government has delayed the ATO’s planned ban on credit card tax payments. Why did the tax office want the change, what does the reprieve mean for businesses managing cash flow, and why do many say the underlying problem remains unresolved?
Why the ATO planned to stop accepting credit card payments on tax bills and the cost it says is driving the decision.
How small business owners say the proposed change could affect cash flow and day-to-day survival.
The government’s intervention to delay the ban and the debate over whether that goes far enough.
How recent payment system reforms and the end of credit card surcharges are affecting businesses and consumers.
Why industry groups warn that rising costs, fees and compliance pressures are continuing to squeeze small businesses.

The AI data centre operator’s withdrawal raises questions about investor appetite for the sector.

Firmus has withdrawn its planned $7.2 billion sharemarket float, which would have been Australia’s second-largest IPO. The company reportedly sought a valuation of about $44 billion. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Datt Capital chief investment officer Emanuel Datt about why the offer was pulled, what it means for the AI investment story and how investors are weighing higher interest rates, the war and oil prices. The Australian sharemarket rose 0.7 per cent.

In this episode
• Why Firmus withdrew its proposed IPO and what the decision could mean for the company
• Whether the pullback points to changing investor appetite for AI, after strong interest in other major technology names
• How rising interest rates, the prolonged war and higher oil prices are shaping investor sentiment
• Where investors may find opportunities in a volatile market

As literary and scientific Nobel Prize winners are celebrated, attention turns to who will win the anticipated Nobel Peace Prize.

Among 2026 Nobel Prize Winners are a Canadian poet, awarded for her bold and inventive literary works, and a Belgian-American scientist honored for his pioneering study of the universe using Antarctic ice. Analysts are now considering who is favoured to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Key points:
Canadian poet Anne Carson responds to winning the prestigious literary honour.
What Carson plans to do with the $1.7 million dollars in prize money.
The scientists honoured for solving a long-standing scientific puzzle, and using Antarctic ice to study the universe.
The Swedish chemist's decision before his death in 1896, to leave behind his fortune for the prize.
The front-runners for the anticipated Nobel Peace Prize.

In the face of a super El Niño and climate change, new research emphasises First Nation practices to manage bushfire risk.

Melbourne researchers have found a link between colonisation and increased and worsening bushfires, urging authorities to consult with indigenous elders on burning practices that have been undertaken for thousands of years.

In this episode:
Melbourne University research identifies how Aboriginal Australians identified the time and place for burning to prevent bushfires
Study links colonisation and reduced cultural burning by indigenous communities as driving increased fire severity and risk
Calls to gather evidence about the efficacy of controlled burns, informed by Indigenous-led consultation
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

A balanced super option fell 0.4% last month. How much could AI-linked shares influence returns if growth expectations falter?

With technology shares helping drive international markets, questions are emerging about how much super returns depend on AI companies meeting growth expectations. SuperRatings director Kirby Rappell discusses last month’s 0.4% fall in the median balanced option and what volatility means for members. The Australian sharemarket fell 0.8% as Wall Street retreated from record highs, while Firmus IPO speculation surfaced in a Maas Group ASX response. SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Morgans private client adviser Dianne Colledge about market confidence and potential opportunities.

In this episode:
What drove the latest fall in balanced super returns, and how international shares have influenced performance.
How exposed super members may be to large technology companies, and what could happen if growth expectations disappoint.
What’s weighing on the sharemarket and what investors may watch during AGM season.
How Firmus IPO speculation has surfaced in Maas Group’s ASX disclosure.
SBS On the Money is a daily finance podcast where SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves unpacks the ASX, the economy and the latest market moves with leading analysts and executives.

Listen to more episodes of SBS On the Money, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.