Australia Proposes Cryptocurrency Regulations and Strengthens Minerals Partnerships in 2025
In 2025, the Australian government advanced its resource sector with significant initiatives, including a draft bill for regulating cryptocurrency exchanges under the Australian Financial Services Licence. This bill targets trading platforms while excluding token issuers and non-fungible tokens.
Public responses were accepted from September 25 to October 24. A May ruling by Judge Michael O'Connell classified Bitcoin as property, potentially allowing for AU$1 billion in capital gains tax refunds for Bitcoin holders.
Additionally, the US and Australia signed an US$8.5 billion critical minerals deal, while discussions continued on the AUKUS submarine agreement valued at US$239 billion over 30 years. Western Australia is considering lifting its uranium-mining licence ban established in 2017, contingent on global market shifts. Furthermore, Australia and Canada established a non-binding partnership for critical minerals at the G7 meeting, focusing on project financing and shared best practices.
