Budget Policy
20 August 2019
The story of inheritances in Australia – and why it needs to change
Not only do we not tax inheritances, we actually subsidise them, making the already wealthy even wealthier.
18 August 2019
Generational progress can no longer be taken for granted
An ageing population means an ageing voter base. But the Baby Boomers care about future generations. And ultimately their support will be crucial in ensuring the policy changes needed to give young Australians a fair go.
18 August 2019
For the first time in a long time, we’re setting up a generation to be worse off than the one before it
Every generation faces its own unique challenges, but letting this generation fall behind the others is surely a legacy none of us would want. It’s time to share the burden, and perhaps an avocado latte while we’re at it.
8 August 2019
Despite the scare campaigns, an inheritance tax makes a lot of economic sense
A tax reform package that includes an inheritance tax with a corresponding drop in income taxes makes sense. But will any political party run the risk of the inevitable scare campaign?
12 July 2019
Lessons from Australia’s intergenerational election
Older Australians are not selfish. They care about the welfare of their own children and grandchildren, as well as the world they are leaving for future generations. There is little evidence that wealthy retirees voted largely in self-interest at the federal election.
3 July 2019
The Treasurer should be planning economic stimulus now
Ominous clouds loom over our economy. Here’s some policies Josh Frydenberg should be turning his mind to — and some he should not.
2 July 2019
Stage 3 of the tax cuts would return Australia to the 1950s
Australia would go from having a relatively progressive income tax system by international standards to having one below average among OECD countries.
20 June 2019
Why super is a burden on the budget
Compulsory superannuation saves the government money on pensions — but nowhere near enough to pay for the accompanying tax concessions. Lifting compulsory contributions will make things worse, for a century.
16 May 2019
The Lowest Blow of the Campaign Award goes to… the real estate agents
Don’t be scared by the real estate agents’ dire warnings. Labor’s negative gearing policy won’t raise your rent. And if you’re trying to buy your first home, it just might boost your chances.
14 May 2019
If franking credits and negative gearing didn’t exist, no one would invent them
The reality is that no major party would be able to defend introducing these policies today. And if you can’t make that case, we should worry less about abolishing them.