Federal budget
Third-largest budget surplus soon to turn into a sea of red ink
Lower spending has helped the budget show the third-largest surplus on record. But it is likely the nation’s finances will shift from the black into the red.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
A budget forever in the red: Beating bracket creep will cost billions
Without big spending cuts or tax increases, the budget faces “forever” deficits if governments try to deliver further tax cuts to working Australians.
- by Shane Wright
Delay in NDIS vote will cost $1 billion: Shorten
The Greens and Liberals joined forces in parliament on Monday to postpone the vote on the overhaul until at least August.
- by David Crowe
Exclusive
Superannuation
A bunch of ‘bunchers’: The tax-time trick the rich love to use
High-income earners are using trusts and self-employment to bring their “official” income down to avoid higher tax on their superannuation.
- by Shane Wright
Exclusive
Investigations
Fire danger and bits from Bunnings: $50m border boats beset with problems
Insiders claim Australian Border Force’s Cape-class boats are plagued with dangerous issues. An investigation has revealed one was out of action when a people-smuggling vessel landed in Western Australia.
- by Nick McKenzie, Zach Hope, Garry McNab and Amilia Rosa
Exclusive
Beach volleyball
Fears of another Commonwealth Games-style embarrassment as world champs left ‘high and dry’
Volleyball Australia counts the nation’s richest person Gina Rinehart among its major backers, but a lack of government funding risks the nation having to spike another global sporting event.
- by Chris Barrett
Opinion
Opinion
Australia’s caught in a spin cycle. Thank goodness you’ve got me to slow it down
Politicians like to deploy spin doctors, and economists, to give you a version of the truth. It’s my job to make sure you’re not led astray, but it’s getting harder.
- by Ross Gittins
Drugs, alcohol, rent, holidays and cars: Integrity chief reveals dodgy NDIS spending
The revelations – including providers taking participants to ATMs to withdraw cash for drugs – add to debates about limiting growth of the $45 billion scheme.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
Opinion
Opinion
Australia’s future to be made under Treasury’s watchful eye
Treasury’s “national interest framework” in the planned Future Made in Australia Act provides stronger grounds for hoping that the oversight will keep the crazy decisions to a minimum.
- by Ross Gittins
Opinion
Property market
Two weeks after the budget, I’ve realised I missed its most surprising revelation
The budget papers include a long statement spelling out what’s wrong with housing with a candour I’ve not seen before.
- by Ross Gittins
End the creep: Former RBA expert backs annual tax relief for millions
Luci Ellis, Westpac’s chief economist, says there’s a big case for increasing tax thresholds each year. Without end, taxes will keep rising forever.
- by Shane Wright
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/federal-budget-5x3