Today
Angus Taylor’s big task
Readers’ letters on the Liberals’ new leadership, the Gaza war, the economic state of Victoria, younger voters and the sale of defence sites across Australia.
I’m Chalmers’ hand-picked budget expert. He should raise the GST
There’s one thing the treasurer should not do: he should not give in to increasingly noisy demands to slash spending for its own sake.
Yesterday
Taylor demands PM set up government spending audit
The new opposition leader is seeking to put pressure on Labor over rising inflation and higher interest rates as gross national debt approaches $1 trillion.
Unprecedented warning: Taxpayers may need to bail out broke states
The International Monetary Fund issued a rare warning as it called on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to press the states to rein in spending and overhaul property taxes.
This Month
‘The new mining boom’: Government spending is reshaping the economy
Federal and state governments are now responsible for generating a record 35 per cent of the final goods and services produced in the economy.
Austal slashes earnings outlook after double counting US Navy contract
More than $600 million was wiped from the country’s largest shipbuilder after it said it had added incentive payments twice to its annual profit forecasts.
‘About time’: Calls for Labor government spending review
Australia has scrutinised the tax system five times in the past 40 years but conducted only two comprehensive spending reviews – the last more than a decade ago.
How the new super tax makes death ‘excruciatingly expensive’
Division 296 tax is being characterised by some as a “stealthy” inheritance tax and financial advisers are predicting a rush of super withdrawals.
The man who would be PM: Taylor’s defining moment arrives
From sheep farmer to Rhodes Scholar, Angus Taylor finally makes his move for the Liberal leadership, in a career defined by ambition and never far from controversy.
Treasury contradicts Chalmers on spending blowout
A senior treasury official has contradicted a claim from Jim Chalmers about the contribution of government spending to a $54 billion blowout in the budget.
CBA surfs credit wave to smash share price doubts
Matt Comyn is confident that the bank is on the right technology track in a competitive environment and an uncertain world.
CGT changes could be confined to housing investors, minister hints
Treasury has all but confirmed it is advising the government on changes to the 50 per cent capital gains tax deduction.
Capital gains tax debate needs facts, not spin
While there may be a case to change the 50 per cent discount on capital gains, the economic reality is the tax break is not nearly as generous as its critics claim.
Chalmers tables super tax changes as Greens demand more
The Liberals and Nationals are opposed to Labor’s superannuation tax changes, leaving it up to the Greens to get the legislation through the Senate.
Andrew Charlton’s vanishing WhatsApps with the crypto industry
The Labor MP became the digital conduit for the snake-pit of crypto, before a large donation landed in his lap.
Want lower income taxes? Start with the GST
The last comprehensive review of tax in Australia, the Henry Review, was specifically excluded from considering the GST.
‘This is a real problem’: Australia’s $1trn debt office in chaos
Treasury’s Australian Office of Financial Management has been rocked by a series of senior staff departures, the loss of 22 of 48 staff and shocking employee-survey results.
The $135b ‘government boom’ reshaping the economy
Australia traded iron ore pits for the public purse, swapping the mining boom of the 2000s with a $135 billion public demand surge that’s reshaping our economy.
Chalmers’ inflation claims questioned over excluded spending figures
Federal government spending has injected more than $70 billion extra into the economy over the past two years, exacerbating the budget deficit.
Cut popular EV tax breaks for rich drivers: climate think tank
Government urged to means test electric vehicle discount – taken up by 100,000 drivers – to limit spiralling cost to the budget.
