Today
Treasury boss rejects ‘politicisation’ attack by Coalition
In a fiery estimates hearing, Steven Kennedy rejected claims his department has been politicised by Jim Chalmers and filled with former Labor advisers.
This Month
Election spending splurge to push up taxes
Labor’s $130 billion of spending decisions is the biggest first-term increase since the 1970s, prompting experts to warn workers face a rising tax burden.
Cash may be gone in 10 years: RBA’s Bullock
Governor Michele Bullock says cash may only be around for 10 years. But unlike Donald Trump, she sees no role for bitcoin in central banking or payments.
Forget rate cuts. Fixing tax could make us much richer
Politicians continue to obsess over the ups and downs of interest rates and neglect the real stuff that could make us materially better off.
Banks lashed for breaking Hayne-era bonus caps
The house economics committee has called on CBA to reverse last year’s decision to lift bonus caps, which threatened to unwind hard-won gains from the inquiry.
‘Punishing’ tax system breaks budget law, ‘mugs’ the young: Henry
The former Treasury secretary has blasted Jim Chalmers and past treasurers for breaking the budget laws by failing to manage financial risks from an eroding tax system.
Red tape slashed for home loans, markets and insurance under Coalition
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor unveils the Coalition’s new election policies to wind back rules in the finance sector.
This banker email shows Dutton is right on ESG going too far
A construction company received a 37-point compliance list before funding would be considered, in addition to the standard credit application.
RBA will be less willing on rate cuts next time
Michele Bullock admits the RBA board had a lively debate on the case for cutting rates or holding firm against sustained political and community pressures.
Breaking down Bullock: Reading between the lines on the rate cut
The RBA board, led by governor Michele Bullock, has cut the cash rate for the first time in more than four years. Here are the top takeaways from the statement.
The Aussie trade hit list that Trump may use to cut a deal on tariffs
US officials say Australian restrictions on American meat, fruit, pharmaceuticals and streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix hinder free trade.
Why an RBA rate cut (which is 50/50) may trigger an early election
Bond traders reckon there’s a 90 per cent chance of an interest rate cut on Tuesday. In reality, it’s a coin toss and if the RBA does cut, don’t expect more anytime soon. All that adds up to an early election.
As Rome burns, Australia fiddles with small-minded debate
Australia needs a revolution on tax, deregulation, energy supply and competition, not fiddling around the edges with small-minded economic debate.
Dutton urges RBA to resist pressure to cut rates
The opposition leader says there is ‘a real concern’ that if the RBA cuts the cash rate too early, it will have to increase rates before long.
Banks strike Australia Post deal to bolster rural branches
Lenders will extend moratoriums on country branch closures and have agreed to lift funding for over-the-counter services provided at post offices.
‘The world has shifted’: CEOs query penalty rates, right to disconnect
As executives ramp up pressure on Labor and the Coalition to do more to reverse a productivity slump, more flexible workplace laws have become a priority.
Chalmers claims the jobs boom is private-sector led
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has hit back at critics who argue many of the 1.1 million extra created during the Albanese government have been underwritten by taxpayers.
Treasury costing furore is as old as 1993 Fightback!
Jim Chalmers’ use of his Treasury to cost the Coalition’s tax breaks for business lunches is unfortunate – but the status quo, former Treasury bosses say.
Even small RBA rate cuts will fuel election spending
Any monetary easing this month will embolden more cash-burning by politicians, and therefore have important political and economic ramifications.
Richardson slams Treasury misuse over lunch deduction costings
The department secretary has become embroiled in a row after Jim Chalmers asked Treasury to cost the Coalition’s tax break for small business lunches.