Yesterday
Chalmers urged to overhaul CGT discount on housing
Labor for Housing says savings from reforming CGT could be used to scrap GST on goods and services used to build, maintain and manage state public housing.
This Month
Has Labor accidentally made a good argument to cap compulsory super?
The government’s economics team is arguing $3 million in super is more than enough for a dignified retirement. If so, why force people to save more?
Labor flags equity, loans in strategy to save metals smelters
Industry Minister Tim Ayres said while responsibility started with the “very profitable” firms, it was likely many would not survive without taxpayer support.
Yoghurt’s tax-free, unless it’s frozen: Calls grow to fix the GST
CSL chairman Brian McNamee says myriad carve-outs mean “half the economy” isn’t captured, while Woolworths says compliance is a big burden for business.
‘Aggressive, unreasonable, not legally robust’: Fortescue lashes ATO
The company says the tax office’s behaviour threatens to derail major investments in renewable or decarbonisation projects and force capital offshore.
Keating tapped to advise Indonesian president and $1.37trn fund
President Prabowo Subianto invited the former prime minister to take on the role in a personal letter delivered by Indonesia’s foreign minister.
Cut income tax, lift GST, wealth tax: CBA’s reform pitch to Chalmers
In an extraordinary submission to the Productivity Commission, the country’s largest lender has put forward an extensive list of ideas to overhaul the tax system.
Chalmers urged to loosen performance test to get super behind net zero
A peak superannuation lobby group says performance benchmarks for funds make it less attractive to invest in renewables and promote productivity.
Albanese stuck between Trump and China as he spruiks trade and tourism
Anthony Albanese has rebuffed US pressure to commit to defending Taiwan from attack, overshadowing a six-day visit to China aimed at bolstering economic ties with Australia’s biggest trading partner.
Voters back Liberal gender quotas, but it’s not a vote swinger
In a new poll, only 8 per cent said increasing the number of female candidates was a top-three issue that could sway their vote to the Liberals.
AWU calls for smelter strategy amid growing crises
National secretary Paul Farrow says the union would welcome intervention under Labor’s Future Made in Australia policy with equity or long-term loans on the table.
Former Labor minister appointed ambassador to OECD in Paris
The appointment of Stephen Jones continues a long history of the plum job going to appointees with close connections to the major political parties.
‘Rarely ends with words’: Burke’s plea to curb antisemitic attacks
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke calls on communities to intervene when they see signs people may be engaging in bigoted language.
Don’t get held to ‘ransom’ with urgent bailouts, Labor warned
Jim Chalmers has been urged to develop a strategy before propping up under-pressure manufacturers as the Tomago smelter seeks billions of dollars in support.
Treasury prepares to crack down on audit firms, with or without ASIC
Officials are considering handing the corporate regulator the power to punish major accounting and consulting firms for the first time, among other options.
Australia may not face Trump wrath over big tech levy
Donald Trump last week suspended tariff talks with Canada over its digital services tax, raising fears Australia could face a similar reception.
June
ACCC’s former top enforcer issues warning over merger laws
Liza Carver, who had been chair of the ACCC’s enforcement committee, says new rules subvert the intention of merger reforms.
Taylor: Lower spending not higher GST best way to fund tax reform
Coalition frontbencher Angus Taylor has signalled a reluctance to contemplate changes to the rate of the 25-year-old goods and services tax.
Labor says making big tech pay for news is a ‘key priority’
Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino says a plan for new charges will come soon, setting his government on a collision course with Donald Trump.
$3m super tax won’t kill aspiration: assistant treasurer
Assistant treasurer Daniel Mulino has also left the door open to further changes to Australia’s $4.2 trillion superannuation system.