The middle of April each year is always when the pre-Budget noise grows louder, and the Government begins to frame the narrative. This year, the stakes are as high as any budget in recent memory. The United States’ and Israel’s attacks on Iran, and the subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz, have very much highlighted to Australians just who benefits from an international oil crisis. While Australians saw their petrol prices rise, and worries about a recession permeated, one industry was laughing.

Corporate tax transparency data shows that for the 10th straight year, Santos has made zero corporate tax payments from nearly $47 billion in sales. This covers the period from 2013-14 to 2023-24 (the most recent data available).

When asked about his legacy, Anthony Albanese has always been clear about what he wants to be remembered for: universal childcare. It’s a headline vision he shares with a prominent politician on the other side of the planet: New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But while both politicians have stated that universal childcare is their ambition, there’s a big difference between them when it comes to the details.

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.