In brief
- From strawberry levies to wine glass tariffs, the budget contains some unusual policy details.
- Solar panel recycling, PNG NRL tax breaks and nuisance tariffs feature in the federal budget.
Each year, the unveiling of the federal budget comes with its fair share of sobering truths and meticulously crafted economic forecasts. It is a document brimming with predictions of potential downturns and pages of figures that outline the government’s planned policies.
However, nestled within this financial tome are intriguing tidbits that shed light on the government’s unique priorities—ranging from specific agricultural products receiving special attention to unexpected, quirky decisions.
The budget released on May 12 is no different, offering a mix of these noteworthy changes. Below, we delve into some of the elements that might have slipped under the radar of mainstream media coverage.
Wine glasses with too much tax
For instance, did you know that the budget has targeted several tariffs deemed so bothersome that they warranted urgent elimination? These are tariffs on everyday items like wine glasses, tires, air conditioners, margarine, and bitumen.
In an effort to streamline processes, the Department of Home Affairs has prioritized the removal of a total of 497 such nuisance tariffs, with the changes set to take effect starting July 1, 2026.
Apparently, this is going to help streamline around $23 billion worth of trade and save businesses $157 million in compliance costs each year, according to the department.
The humble strawberry gets a special mention
First we need to explain what a strawberry runner is…
They’re the leafless stalks that strawberry plants create with a little plant at its end that produces new plants — basically a propagation tool for commercial growers.
A levy on strawberry runners is imposed on commercial producers — and, stay with us — is paid to the Department of Agriculture at a rate of $8.00 per 1,000 runners rounded up to the next 1,000 for each sale or purchase.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, the government wants to clarify a few things. From 1 July, the government will set up a biosecurity part of the levy to be 19 cents per 1,000 strawberry runners. But this new levy will be offset by a cut to the research and development part of the levy — so the overall cost of the levy won’t change. Sweet as.
PNG’s NRL team gets a tax-free perk
Papua New Guinea’s new National Rugby League team has got a tax sweetener in the budget.
Players and staff of the PNG Chiefs, which will enter the competition in 2028, will get income tax exemptions — which will hit the budget by $5.4 million over four years.
It’s part of a broader diplomatic push between the two governments.
Solar panels need recycling
As the growth in Australia’s rooftop solar drive continues, there have been sounds of alarm over photovoltaic waste.
According to researchers at the University of New South Wales, it’s predicted to reach 100,000 tonnes annually by 2030.
In a bid to address this, the government is giving some money in the budget to help recycle solar panels, about $24.7 million for a national pilot for a scheme to set up 100 pilot collection sites across the country.
It’s hoped the minerals will be reused to support the energy transition.
E-bike regulations
With the market saturated with e-bikes and amid its huge consumer uptake in recent years — including among children — safety concerns have risen with a number of deaths and serious cases of injury from e-bike accidents in recent months.
The budget has confirmed $6.6 million in funding to strengthen national safety standards, including by improving product recalls and advancing online marketplace reforms.
It’s also part of a broader move to introduce standards for e‑bikes and nationally consistent requirements for all e‑micromobility devices.
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