A recent ruling by a Victorian magistrate in Australia has potentially significant implications for the taxation of Bitcoin transactions. During a theft case involving a former police officer, the judge determined that Bitcoin should be treated similarly to Australian dollars, classifying it as property but not subject to capital gains tax. This contrasts with the Australian Taxation Office's long-standing position, which has treated Bitcoin as a capital gains asset since 2014. If this ruling is upheld on appeal, which is not expected until late 2025, it could lead to substantial tax refunds for Bitcoin holders who paid CGT after 2019. The defence team is appealing the ruling that Bitcoin is property at all, arguing it is simply information.

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This source discusses the potential for a strengthening of ties between the European Union and Australia. Europe is looking to broaden its alliances due to concerns about an increasingly aggressive Russia and the potential for an unpredictable US foreign policy under a future Trump administration. While the proposal is still in its early stages, some analysts caution that closer defence pacts might not be in Australia's best interest, arguing that focusing on relationships within the Asia Pacific region is more critical. However, others contend that closer collaboration could offer benefits in diversifying defence capabilities and supply chains, and that the world is interconnected enough that strengthening ties with Europe makes sense for Australia.

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Following a significant electoral defeat, the Liberal-National coalition in Australia, the primary opposition, has dissolved their long-standing partnership, marking a major shift in the country's political landscape. The National Party leader cited policy disagreements, particularly regarding climate and energy, as key factors in the decision not to renew the agreement. While the Liberal Party will serve as the sole opposition, the National Party leader expressed a hope for future reconciliation before the next election, although they are prepared to contest it independently. This split follows a period of negotiations and reflects tensions that have periodically affected the coalition over decades.

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A report by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) highlights a gender pay gap in the Australian public sector, where men earn significantly more than women in certain roles. While the gap is narrower in the public sector compared to the private sector, it still shows that for every $1 a man earns, a woman makes only 94 cents. The report indicates that the public sector has made progress in achieving gender balance, which contributes to the smaller pay gap. However, areas for improvement remain, particularly regarding men taking parental leave and addressing the underlying reasons for pay disparities that favour men in almost half of public sector employers.

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This ABC discusses Australia's decision to send retired M1A1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine despite some private frustrations expressed by US officials regarding their potential usefulness and sustainment challenges in the current conflict. Work has reportedly begun to load the first of the 49 tanks onto a cargo ship, though the Australian government will not disclose specific arrival details for security reasons. Ukraine's president has thanked Australia for the donation, while some concerns about the tanks' vulnerability to drones have been raised by Australian Defence officials. The article also mentions past criticisms of Australia's refusal to donate retired helicopters to Ukraine.

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Matt's Away so let's go back into the archives and play a game

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