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The recent appointment of Andrew Charlton as Australia’s Assistant Minister for the Digital Economy, AI, and Emerging Technologies signals a significant step in the country’s approach to blockchain and digital assets.
Charlton, recognised for his longstanding support of blockchain innovation, is set to play a central role in shaping national policies that impact the broader tech ecosystem — including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bintense, an Australian online crypto exchange, reviews the appointment and analyses its effect on the Australian crypto landscape.
A Focus on Balanced Development
The local crypto community has widely welcomed Charlton’s appointment, viewing it as an opportunity for Australia to advance towards a more structured digital asset environment. Throughout his career, Charlton has consistently advocated for balanced policies that encourage innovation while establishing defined frameworks.
Earlier this year, Charlton co-released a proposal outlining a licensing regime designed to align Australia with international practices, referencing models like the EU’s MiCA and Singapore’s Payment Services Act. The proposed structure would require major crypto platforms operating in the country to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, while smaller firms not offering financial products would remain outside the framework.
Industry Expectations
With Charlton’s influence now embedded within the federal tech policy agenda, industry stakeholders anticipate that Australia’s digital asset environment will continue maturing. The focus is expected to shift towards clearer operational guidelines, addressing concerns such as platform licensing, consumer access, and the wider issue of debanking, which has affected several crypto-related businesses.
Draft legislation is expected later in 2025, with updated guidance from regulatory authorities likely to follow.
Access to Bitcoin and Ethereum Remains Available
For individuals in Australia seeking to engage with core digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, services like Bintense remain available as an option to buy and sell these cryptocurrencies using card or bank payments.
Bintense focuses exclusively on Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing a defined process for those looking to access these digital currencies for personal use.
While the full scope of Australia’s updated crypto framework is still to come, the appointment of a blockchain advocate to a senior tech position suggests that cryptocurrencies will remain part of the country’s broader digital strategy. For those interested in acquiring or exchanging Bitcoin and Ethereum, services like Bintense continue to offer access to these assets as the regulatory environment evolves.
Image by Ahmad Ardity from Pixabay
