The Opposition has proposed a plan to significantly cut down the cost of Australian energy for businesses and homes. The initiative would create a 3 per cent decrease in the cost of electricity, driving down household bills by 7% and industrial bills by 15%.

The Coalition has proposed a $1 billion fund that would go towards infrastructure for gas projects. 

According to Frontier Economics, Australian companies make more profit by selling gas internationally. As a result, the Australians pay more for their gas.

How it Works

The new policy would create what the Coalition calls the “East Coast Gas Reservation Scheme.”

Peter Dutton claimed the policy would be a “gamechanger” in the current Australian energy market

“By making the gas companies put more of our Aussie gas into our market instead of exporting it, we will get the price of gas down by 15% [for industrial consumers],” he said.

Dutton claims prices of food other goods would start to come down soon after.

The new proposal would essentially create a gas reservation to Australia’s east coast market. By forcing east coast gas producers to provide this reservation, prices could drop from $14 a gigajoule to $10 a gigajoule by the end of the year. Currently, most of this gas is exported internationally, with just enough remaining supply to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Additional gas can be provided to the east coast if there is a seasonal increase in demand for Australian energy.

Australian Energy Producers have been critical of Dutton’s plan, calling it a “damaging market intervention” that could cause more problems in the long-term.

Sources:

The Guardian

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

Asia as a whole has been reeling from this week’s tariff announcements as governments and manufacturers alike scramble for solutions and strategies to combat Donald Trump’s trade policies. Vietnam in particular has been vocal seeking to reach out to the US and reach some kind of agreement. Vietnam has emerged in recent years as a manufacturing powerhouse. Many corporations including American ones had been relocating to the southeast Asian country to take advantage of its cheap skilled labour force. In fact many manufactures once based it its historic adversary China had moved in Vietnam in recent years. In a surprising turn of events the latest US Vietnam trade tariffs could now benefit China.

American Vietnamese Relations

Due to the history of the two nations one would expect they had an adversarial relationship. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. Under Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden the relationship had grown closer as both countries expanded their relations. Trump himself is a widely popular figure in the country. He is admired for his business successes and tough stance towards China. These facts were no help as they were subject to some of the highest tariff levels of 46%. Vietnam’s role as a middle man for Chinese manufactures attempting to skirt US tariffs contributed to this fact.

Vietnam has done its best to placate Trump and avoid the wave of tariffs. The communist party of Vietnam quickly reached out to Trump following the announcements seeking to reach a deal. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has even promised to try to reduce Vietnam’s over 123 billion dollar trade deficit with the US. This includes plans to purchase more American military equipment. 

China’s Opportunity

The potential cracks in the US Vietnamese relationship presents an interesting opportunity for Vietnam’s long time adversary China. China is set to seize the opportunity amidst the current turmoil, with President Xi Jinping scheduled to visit Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia this month. Xi plans to present China as a reliable and steady partner, in contrast to the United States. By the end of his visit, a number of economic agreements are expected to be signed with these countries. Should the two countries not be able to resolve the issues US Vietnam trade issues could prove advantages for the world’s second largest economy.

Sources

The Guardian – How Trump tariffs could push Vietnam into the arms of China

Reuters – Vietnam to buy US defence, security products to tackle trade gap

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

According to new CoreLogic data, the Australian Housing Market has seen a huge increase in the past five years. 

The average price of a home increased to 6.5 times the median income in 2020. It increased to again to 8.0 at the end of 2024. In percentage terms, these values are relatively low compared to the historical data. However, when put into dollar terms, the increase is far more extreme.

If the increase is adjusted to the current median value, the rise in price is a $230,000 increase, said Kaytlin Ezzy, A CoreLogic economist.

In the current economic environment, home ownership remains unattainable for many families.

Factors Behind the Australian Housing Market Surge

“The factors behind the rapid growth in values come back to underlying demand/supply imbalances as well as a long-term trend towards lower interest rates and household debt accrual,” according to CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless.

Furthermore, housing values are rising disproportionately to incomes. In terms of the most expensive cities, Sydney ranked as the most unaffordable with a ratio of home values to incomes sitting at 9.8. Adelaide comes in second with a ratio of 9, and third most unaffordable market is Regional New South Wales with a ratio of 8.9. Darwin on the other hand, sits at the other end of the spectrum with a ratio of only 3.9.

Grattan Institute program director housing and economic security Brendan Coates said the increase in the Australian housing market values is linked to the shortcomings in supply of homes.

The increase in migration since the pandemic, coupled with this lack of housing, has pushed values up. The solution, he said, is simply to build more housing. The government currrently has a goal to build 1.2 million homes between 2024 and 2029.

What the Historical Data Shows

According to Sydney Morning Herald, “CoreLogic executive research director Tim Lawless said ABS data showed that over 20 years, wages had risen by 82 per cent, while the house price index exploded by 160 per cent.”

Since COVID, housing prices have surged 41 per cent, while wages have only increased around 14 per cent. 

Sources:

The Guardian

Sydney Morning Herald

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

The Pharmaceutical industry breathed a collective sigh of relief last week. Republican President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs excluded pharmaceutical imports, even as other sectors faced the backlash. This came as a surprise to some as President Trump had previously indicated that bringing back US Pharma manufacturing was on his agenda. The President reinforced this on the infamous “Liberation Day” by declaring that the Pharma industry would not be spared.

What’s Next for US Pharma?

At a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner, Trump announced, “We’re going to be announcing very shortly a major tariff on pharmaceuticals. And when they hear that, they will leave China. They will leave other places because they have to sell — most of their product is sold here and they’re going to be opening up their plants all over the place”.

For decades domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has been in decline in the United States with many of the big players such as Pfizer, GSK and Norvartis relocating to countries such as India, China and Ireland. Chinese pharmaceutical exports to the United States in 2024 were $7.84 billion. While India exports to the United States have been as high as $9.8 billion making the U.S. the largest destination for Indian pharma products, accounting for 36.6%.

During the recent St Patrick’s day celebrations Trump criticised the European nation for “luring” away US Pharma companies. Ireland in particular is heavily reliant on its medicine exports to the United States. In 2024, Ireland exported $33.09 billion worth of pharmaceutical products to the United States, making it Ireland’s largest export to the U.S. Politicians in Ireland have voiced a lot of concern regarding these announcements. If US Parma companies do relocate back to the US the consequences will impact a number of nations.

A Phased Approach?

US Pharma giants have been in lobbying overdrive since last week urging the administration to implement a more phased approach to the introduction of tariffs on medication imports as to rock the industry in the same way the sweeping and swift tariffs have sent global markets and manufacturing into a tailspin.They hope to have some time to relocated their manufacturing back to the US. However even in this scenario they would not be immune as they would still face tariffs on the raw materials needed to manufacture their products. The big US Pharma companies have some difficult choices to make in these uncertain times.

Sources

CNBC – Pharma tariff relief likely short-lived with sector-specific duties on the horizon

Politico – Trump says ‘major’ pharmaceutical tariffs on the way

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

As the founder and CEO of Wander, Cassandra Sasso combines her years of design expertise with a passion for sustainability to create a travel experience like no other. Under her guidance, Wander has become synonymous with eco-conscious luxury, offering breathtaking travel experiences through its innovative WanderPods.

We will explore the inspiring background of Cassandra Sasso, her vision for Wander, and the incredible impact she is making on the travel and tourism industry.

Cassandra Sasso’s Journey to Founding Wander

The path of Cassandra Sasso to entrepreneurship was built on creativity, leadership, and a commitment to meaningful change. With over 15 years of experience in interior design, Cassandra’s background includes working as the Lead Interior Designer at Best Western Australasia and the Director of Spacecraft Design, where she created concept-driven designs for hospitality, retail, and residential projects. Her work always prioritised environmentally sensitive solutions, which deeply influenced her later ventures.

Cassandra’s academic achievements further highlight her well-rounded expertise. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business from Macquarie University and completed an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design at Design Centre Enmore. Her time at Marbella Design Academy added an international flair to her creative skills, while her 2020 leadership program with Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) sharpened her business acumen. All these experiences laid the foundation for Wander’s innovative approach to sustainable travel.

But Cassandra’s motivation for founding Wander was fuelled by frustration with the traditional hospitality industry’s lack of commitment to sustainable practices. She envisioned something different—something better. That’s when Wander was born.

The Wander Vision

At the heart of Wander is Cassandra Sasso’s bold vision: to redefine how we travel. Instead of building massive hotel resorts in single locations, Wander flips the hospitality model. Her concept is simple yet impactful—create one room in 100 locations rather than 100 rooms in one.

Wander operates a network of modular, off-grid WanderPods nestled in some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. From Queensland’s Scenic Rim to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, these luxury pods offer travellers a chance to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. Each pod is meticulously designed to blend into its environment and features sustainable systems like solar power, rainwater harvesting, and greywater treatment.

For Cassandra, the goal is to foster connections—to the land, to oneself, and to the local community. Wander is not just about unplugging from the world. It’s about reconnecting to what truly matters.

Revolutionising Regional Tourism with WanderPods

Wander isn’t just changing the travel industry—it’s uplifting regional communities. Cassandra and her team collaborate closely with local landowners and businesses to provide guests with curated experiences unique to each location. Food, beverages, and activities are co-designed to showcase the best that each region has to offer, creating economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Regional travel in Australia is on the rise, with the market projected to grow from $49 billion in 2024 to $68 billion by 2030. Yet, a lack of high-quality, eco-friendly accommodation options limits the sector’s potential. Wander addresses this gap beautifully. Its premium pods, which combine hotel-like quality with the privacy of an Airbnb, are meeting the growing demand for sustainable, high-end lodging.

Sustainability and Innovation in Travel

Cassandra Sasso’s commitment to sustainability is not just a branding strategy—it’s a core principle of Wander’s operations. Each WanderPod operates entirely off-grid, powered by renewable energy and designed to minimise its ecological footprint. With 74% of travellers preferring eco-friendly accommodation, Wander is perfectly positioned to cater to modern travellers’ needs while leaving a positive impact on the planet.

Cassandra’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Wander is now a B Corp Certified company, joining a global network pushing for equity, inclusivity, and environmental regeneration. This certification underscores Wander’s alignment with the values of conscious consumers.

Cassandra Sasso’s Leadership Style and Success Story

Cassandra Sasso’s leadership style is a blend of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to learning. Despite Wander’s rapid growth, Cassandra emphasises the importance of patience. Starting and scaling a business is no easy feat, but her ability to stay grounded has been instrumental in Wander’s achievements.

Since its founding in 2019, Wander has launched pods in multiple locations, secured over $1.8 million in government grants, and raised nearly $1 million through crowdfunding. This financial backing has allowed them to expand their reach while maintaining their commitment to sustainability and premium customer experiences.

Her entrepreneurial philosophy reflects wisdom and wit. Reflecting on her early days, Cassandra remarks with a smile, “Do you realise what the fuck you’ve just done?” It’s a humorous reminder of the challenges entrepreneurs face but also of the exciting opportunities that come with starting a business.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Advocating for Change

Beyond her work with Wander, Cassandra is a powerful advocate for personal and professional growth. She frequently engages with mentors, advisory boards, and educational resources to refine her leadership skills. Her love for learning extends to her reading list, too. She highly recommends Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara for unique business insights and anything by Brené Brown for leadership inspiration.

If there’s one piece of advice Cassandra Sasso would give you, it’s to remain open to learning and to seek guidance from others. Establishing an advisory board with diverse expertise has been one of the most valuable resources in her business’s success.

The Future of Wander and Transformative Travel

Wander’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. Inspired by the concept of transformational travel, Cassandra Sasso envisions Wander becoming a global network that offers consistent, high-quality experiences in stunning, nature-rich locations. Whether in Australia or abroad, WanderPods will continue to redefine luxury travel by emphasising sustainability, authenticity, and meaningful connections.

For Cassandra, Wander is more than a business—it’s a movement. She aims to inspire deeper conversations around how travel can transform our relationships with the planet, communities, and ourselves.

Explore the Wander Experience

Cassandra Sasso’s Wander has reimagined what luxury travel can be. It’s sustainable, it supports local communities, and it creates unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. If you’re looking for a way to escape the everyday grind while leaving a positive impact, Wander is your answer.

To learn more about Wander or to book your stay in one of their innovative WanderPods, visit Wander’s Website today.

Source

LinkedIn – Cassandra Sasso

YouTube – From Interior Designing to creating Eco-Cabins

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

Porsche, a globally recognised German automaker, has reported a concerning dip in vehicle deliveries during the first three months of 2025. Porsche sales rose in North America, thanks to a 37% increase, but steep declines in Europe and China have overshadowed the overall performance. This mixed result comes amidst a strained global automotive industry facing ongoing challenges, including US-imposed tariffs, slowing consumer spending, and increased competition from China’s electric vehicle manufacturers.

Porsche’s Challenging First Quarter

According to the figures released, Porsche delivered just over 71,000 cars globally between January and March. This marked an 8% decline compared to the same period last year.

The North American market was the bright spot, with 20,698 deliveries—a significant recovery following last year’s disruptions caused by delays in imported Chinese vehicle components. However, this boost was insufficient to offset plummeting demand from other key regions.

A Closer Look at Regional Performance

Porsche sales in China, the company’s largest market, fell sharply by 42%, mirroring a broader slowdown in the region’s vehicle demand. Global deliveries stood at 71,470 cars worldwide, with European sales also dropping 10% year-on-year. German sales faced a substantial drop of 34%, while the rest of Europe fared slightly better with a decline of 10%. The discontinuation of models, including the 718 and Macan combustion-engine vehicles, partly caused the contraction in Europe, as they failed to meet updated EU cybersecurity regulations.

Interestingly, the Macan model remains Porsche’s best-selling vehicle, with 23,555 deliveries in the quarter. More than 60% of these deliveries were Macan’s all-electric version, indicating the prominence of sustainability in customer decisions.

Trade Tariffs Cast a Shadow Over the Industry

The challenges Porsche is facing cannot be examined in isolation. The global car industry has been heavily impacted by fresh US tariffs that impose a 25% levy on car imports, which are part of a larger set of trade restrictions initiated by former President Donald Trump. These tariffs have fostered uncertainty, disrupted global supply chains, and caused notable market volatility.

While Porsche has not stated whether these tariffs have directly affected their US sales figures, they undoubtedly loom in the background as automakers scramble to adapt to new trading conditions. European sales were also impacted by the discontinuation of certain models, further compounding the challenges faced by the automaker. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), for instance, announced that it is pausing shipments of UK-manufactured vehicles to the US for a month to reassess the cost impact

US buyers purchase one in eight vehicles produced in the UK, making the country’s auto industry significantly vulnerable. Meanwhile, the steep decline in vehicle exports is putting 25,000 UK-based auto manufacturing jobs at risk, which the Institute for Public Policy Research highlighted last week.

Broader Market Trends and the EV Competition

The global automotive sector is also navigating a broader decrease in consumer spending, likely exacerbated by economic pressures such as inflation. Consumer attention is increasingly shifting towards affordability, efficiency, and electrification, granting China an edge in the competition for electric vehicles. Chinese firms, equipped with advanced EV technologies and cost-effective manufacturing, have rapidly gained traction in key global markets.

Against this challenging backdrop, luxury automakers like Porsche face the dual pressure of maintaining their brand’s premium positioning while pivoting aggressively to meet surging demand for electric vehicles.

Porsche Shares Drop as Market Pressures Mount

Now listed on Frankfurt’s stock exchange, Porsche has seen its shares lose 25% of their value since the start of 2025, reflecting investors’ concerns over its long-term growth outlook amid tariff concerns and market hiccups. On Tuesday, the stock price remained flat, signalling subdued market activity.

The automaker’s ongoing transition to electric models and the support for sustainability initiatives are likely to provide some cushion against these pressures. However, adaptation to geopolitical and regulatory challenges will also play a crucial role in shaping Porsche’s performance in the remainder of the year.

While the current slump highlights vulnerabilities within Porsche’s global strategy, it also mirrors the larger evolution of an industry undergoing rapid disruption.

Source

The Guardian – Porsche reports steep fall in orders from Europe and China

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.

India is actively pursuing a comprehensive trade agreement with the UK amidst a rapidly changing global landscape, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The increasing volatility in international relations is driving nations to secure bilateral trade deals, stepping beyond their traditional political and ideological alignments. During her visit to London, Sitharaman expressed optimism that the India-UK trade deal could be finalised sooner rather than later, highlighting the commitment from both sides to enhance trade ties. The discussions are set to address key areas such as tariffs, investment treaties, and collaboration on education and technology.

Why India and the UK are Prioritising a Trade Deal

The India-UK trade deal holds immense strategic and economic importance for both nations. With India recognised as the world’s fifth-largest economy and a growing global market, it presents a lucrative opportunity for British businesses. Simultaneously, the UK is looking to mitigate the impact of US tariffs and build robust ties with emerging economies in the post-Brexit era.

Sitharaman emphasised the necessity of fostering new partnerships in a “multipolar world,” citing India’s recent trade agreements with countries like Australia and the UAE. These agreements are fostering India’s transition from protectionist policies toward a more liberalised trade approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

On the UK side, Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined the broader context of Britain’s trade ambitions, stating that Britain was “also going to work with our key partners to reduce barriers to trade across the globe, accelerate trade deals for the rest of the world, and champion the cause of free and open trade right across the globe.” His remarks reflect the UK’s drive to bolster global economic partnerships in response to shifting trade dynamics. You can read about Starmer’s comments in here.

Key Negotiation Points in the India-UK Trade Agreement

Lower Tariffs and Market Access

One of the critical sticking points in the negotiations is tariffs. The UK is pushing for reduced tariffs on key exports such as cars and whisky, aiming to enhance its competitiveness in the Indian market. Additionally, Britain is seeking greater access for its legal and financial services firms, a move that could strengthen its professional sector globally.

Easier Mobility for Indian Workers

India, on the other hand, has called for easier and faster processing of visas for its workers. A significant concern for India is that Indians working on business visas in the UK are required to pay national insurance contributions, despite being ineligible for pensions or social benefits. Addressing this concern is crucial for moving the deal forward.

Collaboration on Education and Technology

Another highlight of the negotiations is collaboration on education and technology. Higher education, a historically significant link between the two nations, has faced challenges in recent years, with Indian students showing increasing preference for the United States over the UK. Resolving issues like graduate visas could revamp the UK’s standing as a top destination for Indian students while supporting its struggling university sector.

Sitharaman highlighted how education can revive partnerships and enhance cultural exchanges, remarking, “That momentum will have to be regained.”

A Broader Shift in India’s Trade Policy

Historically, India has been one of the world’s most protectionist economies, focusing on self-sufficiency and restricting foreign trade. However, recent developments under Modi’s government indicate a clear shift in policy. India is actively exploring partnerships that align with its long-term growth objectives.

For instance, India recently completed an agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This deal, though lengthy in the making, paves the way for similar collaborations with other nations, including ongoing negotiations with the EU.

The India-UK trade deal, in particular, represents a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate that India is open to trade liberalisation while ensuring its interests are safeguarded.

The Role of Leadership in Accelerating Talks

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have expressed strong optimism about concluding the deal promptly. Reeves highlighted the UK’s determination to finalise agreements with global economies, stating, “This government is accelerating trade deals with the rest of the world to back British business and provide the security working people deserve.”

The talks also come at a time when Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s trade secretary, and Labour leader Keir Starmer have demonstrated renewed political commitment to strengthening ties with India. Their presence at the ongoing discussions underscores the UK’s eagerness to bolster its post-Brexit global influence.

Impacts of an India-UK Trade Deal

For India

A free trade agreement with the UK could bring significant foreign investment into India while opening doors for Indian businesses to access British markets. Reduced tariffs and streamlined procedures could also benefit India’s growing industries, including technology, textiles, and manufacturing.

For the UK

For Britain, the deal offers a chance to revitalise key industries such as automotive, beverages, and financial services. It could also help bridge the gap in labour shortages with Indian talent filling critical roles in healthcare, technology, and education.

Mutual Benefits in Science and Technology

Collaboration in science and technology could foster innovation and research, driving growth in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, clean energy, and sustainable development.

Challenges in Finalising the India-UK Trade Deal

Despite the progress, challenges remain in finalising the India-UK trade deal. Both sides will need to address contentious issues pragmatically to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. With discussions covering tariffs, labour mobility, and education policies, there appears to be a strong commitment from leaders to resolve these issues cooperatively.

Source

The Guardian – Tariffs driving India to strike trade deals, finance minister says ahead of UK talks

---

Explore more entrepreneurial insights and success stories at Inspirepreneur, your go-to magazine for business innovation and leadership.