This Month
Gambling sector stunned by axing of tax breaks
The wagering industry said Labor’s decision to axe the R&D tax incentive for gambling and tobacco companies risked exposing other sectors to political horse-trading.
- Updated
- Ronald Mizen
- Opinion
- Australian economy
The mission for 2025: let’s make it easier for businesses to invest
Less than six months from the federal election, it’s time to start thinking about the big reforms we need to go after to turn around our lagging productivity and competitiveness.
- Geoff Culbert
- Opinion
- Letters to the Editor
Labor lacking business nous
Readers’ letters on Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the state of the economy, Labor’s stance on Israel, the Melbourne arson attack and payroll tax.
- Opinion
- Opinion
Pay states to slash payroll tax on jobs
A National Reform Fund could use federal funds to incentivise states and territories to align their policies.
- Bran Black
November
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.
- James Eyers
- Exclusive
- Janet Yellen
US Treasury boss Yellen pressed Chalmers on tax stand-off
Australia is refusing to sign up to a key part of global efforts to make multinational companies pay their fair share of tax.
- John Kehoe
This will be Allegra Spender’s top demand in a hung parliament
A minority Labor or Coalition government should implement serious and lasting changes to the taxation system to help workers get ahead and families own a home, the teal independent says.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- Australian economy
Economists must climb down from ivory tower to win the tax debate
Only once the electoral popularity of taxation reform is improved can we expect politicians to stake their political capital for change.
- Melinda Cilento and Stephen Smith
Dutton casts doubt on tax cuts for high earners
More than 1 million high-income earners had been expected to get further tax relief from the Coalition ahead of the next election. That now looks unlikely.
- Tom McIlroy and Jonathan Shapiro
Changing CGT, negative gearing won’t help housing supply: Treasury
Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy says curbing the capital gains tax deduction would have more impact on lowering house prices than changes to negative gearing, but neither would help boost supply.
- Phillip Coorey and Hannah Wootton
Taxing fossil fuels better than Future Made in Australia, Ken Henry says
The proposal backs a similar fossil fuel export tax on commodities such as coal and gas put forward by former Hawke Labor government advisers Ross Garnaut and Rod Sims.
- John Kehoe
Farmers, builders, economists warn against changing diesel tax credits
A plan by key crossbenchers to overhaul a lucrative fuel tax credit for miners has drawn condemnation from farmers and the WA government.
- Tom Rabe
Trump win would pressure Australia to cut 30pc corporate tax rate
Competition between nations on business taxation and investment will be heavily influenced by the US election outcome.
- John Kehoe
October
Chalmers flags crackdown on tax refunds for pokie makers
ASX-listed poker machine giant Aristocrat had a research and development budget of $22.1 million in 2021-22, according to the ATO data released earlier this month.
- Ronald Mizen
Teals warn: Don’t assume we won’t back Dutton in a hung parliament
Teal MP Allegra Spender is challenging Labor and the Coalition to end political fighting and reform the tax system, releasing her own wide-ranging plan.
- Tom McIlroy
- Opinion
- Opinion
How can it be right to pay tax on something you never had?
The plan to tax paper gains in superannuation funds will harm savers and damage the economy.
- Geoff Wilson
Chalmers digs in on negative gearing advice
Treasurer Jim Chalmers again hedged when questioned if he had asked officials to model changes to tax concessions for property investors.
- Updated
- Tom McIlroy
September
Moves to curb campus antisemitism risk academic freedom
Readers’ letters on potential risks to university independence; reforming the NDIS; InfraBuild’s finances; and the political cost of tax reform.
Labor won’t pursue negative gearing changes, Shorten predicts
The former Labor leader says he is sure the government won’t take changes to property investor tax breaks to the next election.
- Phillip Coorey
- Opinion
- Negative gearing
Labor’s smoke and mirrors on housing
Jim Chalmers and Anthony Albanese face much tougher questions about their economic agenda than the confusion about negative gearing and capital gains taxes.
- Jennifer Hewett