Today
NSW budget boosts build-to-rent housing and developer infrastructure
Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has suggested Tuesday’s NSW budget will boost housing. Here are two measures to start.
This Month
The family ‘trauma’ behind Ken Henry’s views on native forest logging
The practice is a “dead parrot” costing the NSW budget $30 million a year. The former Treasury boss says it’s time to transition out.
NSW workers compensation reforms hit a snag
The Coalition will oppose the Minns government’s plan to make it harder to claim for psychological injuries.
Coalition mulls sinking NSW Labor’s ‘axe’ to workers compensation
Business groups press to pass Minns government reforms, but the Coalition and Greens could team up to defeat major changes to psychological injury claims.
May
NSW ‘carrying federation’ on GST and will push reforms: Mookhey
Daniel Mookhey says NSW Government will “call out” federal Labor over difference, despite its “powerful mandate” after re-election
NSW calls on federal Labor to help ‘build, build, build’
Daniel Mookhey says major project delays are holding NSW back and federal Labor should use its mandate to boost productivity.
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
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
How to get the budget back in shape item by item
Before DOGE was even a thing, I ran a similar operation for the NSW Coalition. Here are the three lessons I learnt.
February
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.
States reject ratings warning on debt
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is returning from a US mission to keep debt costs down, but S&P warns Australian states’ credit ratings are at risk of downgrade.
January
Stalled EV tax threatens budget black hole
Officials designing a replacement tax to accommodate a rise in electric cars say the process has stalled. Dealers are also worried about new emissions rules.
Wage wars: Chaos as salary demands push state budgets to the brink
This week, simmering tensions between essential workers and cash-strapped governments caused mayhem around the country. Can leaders contain the fallout?
Sydney train commuters face more delays amid mounting pay disputes
State government employees across the country have been pushing for significant pay rises to compensate for several years of high inflation.
Unrealistic public sector pay claims risk an inflation budget hangover
The wage demands at the tail end of the inflation-cycle will add to the fiscal pressure on state government’s already deep in debt and deficit.
December 2024
Home sales, tax blunder push out NSW budget gap
Sluggish home sales, more help with energy bills and a $440 million tax miscalculation have increased the budget deficit in Australia’s most populous state.
November 2024
Vic, NSW splurge putting Australia’s credit rating at risk: Fitch
Fitch Ratings has warned that state level deficits have risen sharply and were becoming increasingly important in its assessment of Australia’s fiscal position.
Mortgage brokers back NSW payroll tax inquiry
A NSW parliamentary committee will examine retrospective application of payroll tax laws widened by courts which has angered companies using contractors.
NSW braces for Trump trade turbulence and bond market shocks
The state’s treasurer has warned an erosion in free trade could make Australians poorer, as the incoming administration weighs imposing costly tariffs.
October 2024
From small budget changes, big things grow
Minor technical tweaks by government can drive big changes. Including the economic benefits of First Nations culture into NSW budgeting is a game-changer.