Yesterday
EV tax break to roll on as sales soar
The Albanese government is reconsidering plans to scale back the $1.3 billion-a-year fringe benefits tax exemption for electric vehicles.
Property investing will (probably) never be the same. What to consider
With a capital gains tax overhaul anticipated in the May budget, buyers agents say some investors are selling but others are preparing for a long-term “buy and hold” approach.
This Month
Canberra wants Tomago saved – just not all on its dime
Australia needs to avoid indulging in political slush funds dressed up as “industrial policy” and pivot towards a smarter, future-looking strategy.
RBA’s narrow pathway on inflation will need to widen
If the central bank is serious about getting core inflation back to its 2.5 per cent target, it will need to abandon a dual goal to keep the unemployment rate low.
Influencers invited back to Chalmers’ budget – with a catch
Cheek Media’s Hannah Ferguson, Milly Rose Bannister and other politics and finance social media creators have been asked to submit a “content proposal”.
Chalmers warns CEOs against premature optimism on Middle East peace
The treasurer says the degree of damage Australia sustains depends on how long the war lasts and how quickly the global economy rebounds afterwards.
Consumer confidence hits historic low ahead of May budget
The worst confidence result in more than 50 years has economists concerned about Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ ability to sell an ambitious tax plan in the budget.
Spending cuts must go hand-in-hand with tax reform to fix budget
Tightening the purse strings is great, but it won’t solve our economic problems. The scale of the challenge means a review of the tax system is critical.
NDIS cuts loom amid Treasury productivity push
Labor is looking to halve growth in spending on Australia’s $52 billion disability insurance scheme as it pushes to improve productivity and save money.
Chalmers told to cut record $137b to meet saving target
Economists warn that relying on temporary inflation spikes to offset difficult spending cuts would be a “cop-out” ahead of the May federal budget.
IEA boss warns Australia against ‘abrupt’ changes to oil and gas taxes
International Energy Agency executive director says sudden tax changes on gas exports could damage Australia’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.
3 budget traps Jim Chalmers must avoid (and one move he can’t ignore)
The government should not feel pressured to put together an under-considered package of reforms that would likely be abandoned.
AI disruption is Chalmers’ chance for budget repair
We do not yet know what new policy responses will be required. But whatever form they take, they will require fiscal space, something we currently lack.
Cochlear chief warns global uncertainty worse than COVID
Howitt will be among 40 of the nation’s top CEOs in Canberra this week to meet ministers and the opposition to discuss the uncertainty in the global economy.
Productivity downgrade risks adding up to $100b in debt
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the slump is expected to continue for the next five years, while economists also forecast wage growth to stall.
Gas tax on the agenda as war prompts budget rethink
Proceeds from a new levy on gas giants could be used to help Australians cope with any spike in energy prices caused by the Iran conflict.
Chalmers’ stagflation-lite nightmare: Why piecemeal fixes will fail
Economic reality has caught up with the government, as it confronts a 1970s-style stagflation-lite shock. Nothing less than a U-turn is needed to get back on track.
Will the PM let Chalmers get serious about budget repair?
Four years ago, the Treasurer made a political virtue out of outspending. Now he’s looking to make “substantial savings”.
Can Albanese-Chalmers do a Hawke-Keating on budget repair?
If geopolitics worsens Australia’s pre-existing economic malaise, doing nothing about the condition of the budget could be the biggest risk of all.
Budget to fund new pay deal for childcare workers
The government will unveil a new childcare wage deal to avoid 60,000 workers having their pay cut when a $3.6 billion agreement expires later this year.
