September
The 10 most covertly powerful people in Australia in 2024
Those who wield the most clout behind the scenes in the nation’s business and politics.
- Tom McIlroy
June
- Analysis
- Australian economy
Why our spooks and economists are teaming up to manage China
Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy and chief spook Andrew Shearer are leading a new economic security regime that will have far-reaching consequences for business and investors.
- John Kehoe
China’s ‘predatory’ tactics justify critical mineral subsidies: Kennedy
Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy says China’s dominance of critical minerals justifies the government’s taxpayer support for rare earths the world needs.
- John Kehoe
- Opinion
- Income tax
Treasury is addicted to income tax to fund spending
Virtually everyone is protected by the government from inflation eroding their real incomes, except the humble wage earner.
- John Kehoe
We got it wrong on record migration: Treasury boss
Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy said the agency’s “frankly poor” forecasting owed to a failure to anticipate a sharp rise in foreign student numbers.
- Michael Read
May
Treasury boss warns PM: ‘Enormous benefits’ from Chinese solar panels
Commenting on the government’s Future Made in Australia green industrial subsidies, Steven Kennedy says Australia ‘must not be distracted by ideas, frankly, over many decades, have been shown won’t work’.
- John Kehoe
February
Government would have known about stage three revamp: Treasury boss
Jim Chalmers would have known his department was going to recommend revamping the stage three tax cuts, Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy has suggested.
- Phillip Coorey
Car-yard clash: Dutton takes aim at ‘ute tax’ on Dunkley trail
Cost-of-living politics overshadows the byelection race, which comes as the Treasury boss admits talk over the stage three tax reversal began in early December.
- Andrew Tillett
October 2023
- Opinion
- Income tax
Why retirees have to pay their fair share of tax
‘I worked hard and paid all my taxes’ does not pass the pub test when tax-free retirements now last so long.
- John Kehoe
Inflation forces workers to take on extra hours
Australians taking on extra hours to cope with inflation and cost of living pressures may explain recent falls in productivity, the Productivity Commission says.
- Michael Read
September 2023
The 10 most covertly powerful people in Australia in 2023
Those who wield the most clout behind the scenes in the nation’s business and politics.
- Tom McIlroy
Why being a nurse and working for Kevin Rudd changed Steven Kennedy
The Treasury Secretary shares his defining career moments, best advice, love for alternative Australian music from the 1980s in our public servant Q&A.
- Ronald Mizen
July 2023
New RBA boss doesn’t mean an end to cost-of-living pain: Libs
The opposition has applauded Michele Bullock’s appointment but warns the government must do more to help the bank ease pressure on inflation.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Monetary policy
For Chalmers and the RBA, Bullock ticks all the boxes
It’s about more than image – Bullock was a most enthusiastic contributor to the RBA review and is deemed to have a more consultative leadership style than Lowe.
- Phillip Coorey
Dutton rules out two frontrunners for RBA governor
The Opposition will not support Steven Kennedy or Jenny Wilkinson to replace Philip Lowe as RBA governor.
- Phillip Coorey and Michael Read
June 2023
- Analysis
- Monetary policy
Who will be the next RBA boss? The pros and cons of each candidate
The treasurer is due to make an announcement on Philip Lowe’s future in July. There are seven potential local candidates to head the RBA. Here’s what you need to know about them.
- John Kehoe and Ingrid Fuary-Wagner
May 2023
Coalition resolves to back JobSeeker increase
The Coalition will try unsuccessfully to amend the proposed dole increase, then wave it through anyway.
- Phillip Coorey
Budget will cool inflation and wages: Treasury head
Steven Kennedy has rejected claims the federal budget will add to inflation but warned further government action was required to tackle “disappointing” productivity.
- John Kehoe
February 2023
Top economic adviser warns on gas price intervention risks
Australia’s top economic official says it’s important gas interventions “do not discourage investment in the domestic supply of gas”.
- Jacob Greber and John Kehoe
November 2022
Treasury gives green light for controls on gas prices
It cited exceptional circumstances, namely the fact the Ukraine war had led to a redistribution of income and wealth and disruption of markets.
- Phillip Coorey