This Month
Henry tells Chalmers to stop ‘fiddling’ and launch into tax reform
The Albanese government could raise a $50 billion tax on fossil fuel exports and up the GST to lower company and income taxes, the former Treasury head argues.
Whose idea is Trump’s big, absurd ‘revenge’ tax?
Section 899 gives the White House new power to levy up to 20 per cent on foreigners with American investments, which could mean punishing US bondholders.
May
A complacent Wonder Down Under is heading for a productivity fail
Crazy levels of government spending, and Victoria’s status as one of the most indebted states in the world, helps explain Australia’s miserable performance.
Ford enlists Trump tax officials in billion dollar ATO brawl
The Trump administration has taken an aggressive stance against global taxation deals, and the ATO is embroiled in similar fights with ExxonMobil and PepsiCo.
Trump tax hike threatens to raid Australians’ superannuation savings
Republicans are pushing for investors from countries deemed to discriminate against American businesses to pay more as part of the White House’s budget bill.
It’s not just taxes hurting Victorian businesses, it’s red tape
Peter Angelico says excessive, “box-ticking” regulation is putting a handbrake on his business.
Tax breaks for business investment on agenda: Wood
The Productivity Commission will look for tax reforms that will stimulate investment without draining the budget.
Tax rebate for bulk-billing GPs hasn’t averted payroll tax fight
The NSW government says $4 million of payroll tax has been handed back to bulk-billing GPs, but doctors’ groups have warned the incentive is failing to drive up bulk billing.
March
Interest rates, doctors’ bills to rise to pay backdated payroll tax
Industry groups warn of “contagion” from Revenue NSW’s aggressive interpretation of payroll tax law.
Ruling on $81m tax affects all gig economy, Uber says
If the ride-share company’s payments to drivers are “in relation to” work, then gig economy companies could be liable for hundreds of millions in payroll tax Australia-wide
February
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.
Erin Williams works alone, but she’s being stung by payroll tax
The solo broker is among thousands soon to be slugged, as a tax on employment becomes a tax on some small businesses.
An audit found Colin didn’t owe a cent. Then he was charged $1m in tax
Businessman Colin Walker says he is among a rising number of companies being aggressively pursued for payroll tax by the NSW government, which may be setting an example for other states.
Labor says tech levy doesn’t target US firms as Trump trade tsar hits out
The US trade tsar says Donald Trump is ready to fight countries imposing taxes on US tech companies, as the Labor government pushes ahead with a digital tech levy.
Chalmers urged to take over tax on big tech amid Trump’s threats
Media companies say the matter of forcing tech platforms to either pay for news content or face new taxes is too important to leave to a junior minister.
Teal MP wants $20k tax-free threshold for small business
Sophie Scamps said she would also push for an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses, which expires on June 30.
January
War room, webinars: Corporate America tries to cope with Trump blitz
Businesses have been left trying to nail down what the tax, immigration, DEI and energy orders will mean for them.
Greens to push Labor on wealth, super and big business tax hike
The minor party could play a pivotal role after the next federal election and plans to go after “excessive profits”.
Transparency lacking in WA media and politics
Readers’ letters on conflicts of interest between Seven West Media and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, the Howard government bugging East Timor, the alienation of young men and ADHD treatments.
December 2024
Gold miner St Barbara hit with $210m PNG tax demand
The company’s ASX-listed shares fell 36 per cent after subsidiary Simberi Gold was handed a taxation bill that could endanger its viability.