Government Policy 11 March 2026 - 20 May 2026

M&S chief hits out at UK food price-cap plan as ministers retreat
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M&S chief hits out at UK food price-cap plan as ministers retreat

UK ministers rejected mandatory supermarket price caps after backlash from retailers, including M&S CEO Stuart Machin, who called the idea “completely preposterous.” The government said talks on voluntary price freezes for staples would continue. Headline inflation slowed to 2.8% in April, but food and grocery prices remain under pressure from supply disruptions and higher costs.
May 20, 2026
Telstra Shares Trade Higher as $1.25 Billion Buyback Wraps Up, Investors Focus on Week Ahead
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Australia’s A$7.32 Billion Spectrum Sale Raises Questions for Phone Bills

Australia’s communications regulator set a preferred A$7.32 billion price for renewing key mobile and fixed-wireless spectrum licences, rejecting calls from Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom for lower fees. The first renewal application period opens June 18 for the 850 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Telstra and TPG warned of higher costs for consumers, while the regulator said the price reflects market rates.
May 20, 2026
Clean Energy Incentives Return as EU Clears Denmark Wind Aid, France Hydrogen Support Amid Energy Price Shock
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Clean Energy Incentives Return as EU Clears Denmark Wind Aid, France Hydrogen Support Amid Energy Price Shock

The European Commission approved a €5 billion Danish aid plan for two offshore wind farms and a French package to support 1 GW of renewable hydrogen, both using long-term contracts. Denmark’s program covers Hesselø and North Sea I Mid, together supplying about a quarter of the country’s electricity. The French plan will fund hydrogen electrolysis projects through three tenders.
March 23, 2026
Telstra Group Limited warns Australia map rules could cut 1 million sq km from coverage claims
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Telstra Group Limited warns Australia map rules could cut 1 million sq km from coverage claims

Telstra warned Australia’s draft mobile coverage-map standard would mark areas used by 1.5 million customers a month as having no service, forcing it to remove about 1 million square km from its maps. The Australian Communications and Media Authority must finalize the rules by March 31, with implementation set for June 30. The ACCC supports stricter mapping, citing unreliable current maps and risks for consumers. Optus and TPG also weighed in on the proposed -115 dBm signal threshold.
March 11, 2026