What Your Vote Means for the Future of Digital Assets in Australia
As Australians head to the polls on May 3rd, the future of digital asset innovation, regulation, and adoption hangs in the balance. For those of us building in the blockchain space, this election is more than just political — it’s foundational.
Both major parties have now laid out roadmaps for how they intend to regulate and support the digital asset industry. While there’s shared recognition of crypto’s growing role in the economy, their approaches differ in pace, philosophy, and implementation strategy.
The Coalition: A Fast-Track to Regulatory Certainty
Led by Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, the Liberal Party has promised to introduce the Securing Australia as a Financial Services Centre bill within 100 days of forming government. This ambitious legislation would establish a full regulatory framework for digital assets, modernise payment systems, and reform financial advice services.
Luke Howarth and Simon Kennedy — both vocal advocates for the sector — have criticised Labor’s pace, arguing that delays are putting consumers at risk and sending innovation offshore. The Coalition’s vision is to position Australia as a regional financial hub, attracting capital, founders, and platforms to our shores.
Labor: A Phased, Consultation-Driven Strategy
The Albanese Government, led on this issue by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Andrew Charlton, has taken a more deliberate approach. On March 21st, Labor released its Statement on Developing an Innovative Australian Digital Asset Industry, outlining a multi-pronged plan:
A new licensing framework for Digital Asset Platforms (DAPs)
Regulatory oversight of payment stablecoins through broader payments reform
A review of Australia’s Enhanced Regulatory Sandbox
Measures to explore the application of blockchain across sectors
Labor’s roadmap reflects a commitment to consumer protection and measured reform, with the intention of developing policy through sustained engagement with industry stakeholders.
What’s at Stake?
Regulatory Certainty: The Coalition is pushing for speed. Labor is focused on structure.
Industry Positioning: The Coalition sees crypto as a competitive edge. Labor is integrating it into existing financial frameworks.
Investor and Builder Confidence: Regardless of outcome, clarity is coming—but the timeline and texture of that clarity will be shaped by the party that wins.
🎙️ Unblocking the Chain – Special Election Edition
In our next episode of Unblocking the Chain, I sit down with Steve Vallas, CEO of Blockchain APAC, to unpack what’s happening in digital asset policy—not just in Australia, but around the globe.
We’ll discuss the signals from regulators, the election’s impact on innovation, and what builders, investors, and founders need to know to stay ahead.
📅 Episode drops Monday 28 April — don't miss it.
At JellyC and Catena Digital, we are working at the intersection of policy and product, building regulated digital asset solutions for the Australian and global markets. If you care about the future of finance, now’s the time to pay attention.
Sources:
https://www.liberal.org.au/2025/04/02/coalition-to-secure-australia-as-a-regional-financial-centre
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/p2025-628504-s.pdf
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