Liberals mull Greens alliance to kill off tax changes
An unlikely political alliance could put the government's contentious changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount in jeopardy.
state budget and tax
Tobacco tax cut lit up as black market trade ‘solution’
A state government minister has conceded tobacco tax is fuelling rampant illegal trade as his federal Labor counterpart denies a cut would be a silver bullet.
‘Vested interests’ protest against housing tax changes
The property industry is challenging the government's modelling on the impact the federal budget will have on renters and housing supply.
Budget relief for families but debt burden soars
South Australians will share in a $500 million package to ease the cost of living as the government insists a $53 billion debt won't spiral out of control.
‘Huge mistake’: how Howard spurred Boomer investors
The share of property investors older than 60 has more than doubled since the capital gains discount was introduced, Reserve Bank of Australia research shows.
NZ shuns ‘sugar hits’ in budget, cuts growth forecast
New Zealand has unveiled a bare-bones budget with a projected surplus sooner than expected, but few incentives for voters in an election year.
Labor warned against rushing through major tax overhaul
The Greens are likely to give their support to changes to negative gearing and the capital gains discount but businesses fear it will drive investors offshore.
Labor happy with softer housing market since budget
Tax changes in the federal budget are already helping to level the playing field, according to the housing minister.
Treasury chief defends Labor’s beleaguered budget
Controversial budget changes would have cut the lifetime tax benefits for the top one per cent of earners by $400,000 if implemented in 2000, Treasury says.
Concerns, doubts over Tasmania budget cuts
Rating agency S&P Global says Tasmania's budget repair carries "high execution risk," doubting the government will follow through on $1.47 billion in cuts.
‘God help us’: warning as alcohol tax calls spill over
Calls are growing for the federal government to overhaul alcohol taxes to avoid a repeat of the black market takeover of cigarettes.
Island state to cut, cut, cut its way back to the black
Tasmania will spend more on servicing debt in 2026/27 than on police, fire and emergency services, showing the scale of the state's borrowing challenge.
Auditor casts eye over ‘devious’ 40-year lottery deal
An independent auditor is probing whether a state government ran a competitive process before handing out a 40-year lottery deal after "exclusive" negotiations.
Middle ring could be ‘hollowed out’ by tax overhaul
Tax changes in the federal budget will likely shift property investors to new houses in the outer suburbs and inner-city apartments, economists say.
Tax relief for workers and pain for investors in budget
Australians who earn a wage will get $250 in tax relief as part of Labor's budget, but investors and wealthy families could be left worse off.
Gas tax hopes flicker as reservation scheme revealed
Big gas companies will need to inject more LNG into the Australian market under a plan aimed at bringing down prices and shoring up supply.
Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze
The government is being urged to cut the alcohol excise before the horse has bolted and another black market like illicit tobacco becomes entrenched.
Treasurer warned on household handouts ahead of budget
Millions of Australians could receive an income offset in the budget, but the Reserve Bank is cautioning against the federal government increasing spending.
More cops, jail guards as territory budget fights crime
The NT budget offers no "lollies and sweets" but it cements the government's tough-on-crime approach, its architects say.
‘Downside risks’: warning as state debt edges to $200b
A $200 billion state budget debt bomb remains live and ticking as a long-time Labor government favours cost-of-living measures for struggling families.
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
Shock lottery deal ‘handcuffs’ state to gambling sector
A surprise state lottery deal has "handcuffed" future governments to the gambling industry and undone years of reform, a leading advocate says.
Fuel bonus as WA posts eighth straight budget surplus
More than $1 billion in cost-of-living relief will be shared in Western Australia as the state capitalises on an iron ore uplift to bank another budget surplus.
‘Peddling lies’: gas sector vents as tax pressure rises
The minister responsible for gas in Australia has poured cold water on calls for an export tax as industry figures insist they pay their fair share.
Rego rebate to ease pain at the pump for motorists
Motorists in one state will receive a one-off rebate on car registration to ease cost-of-living pressure as fuel prices soar across the country.
Aussie manufacturing boost in $1.2b fleet upgrade
Australia is selling one of its most prized military vehicles to the Netherlands as the government also moves to shore up its own defence force.
‘Tiny’ tax returns on gas has leading economist fuming
Australians have finite stocks of gas and other natural resources and deserve a fair return on them, an inquiry has been told as calls grow for tax reform.
Battle lines harden as gas giants take on tax proposal
Gas producers have mounted a full-throated defence of their tax contributions in an inquiry exploring opportunities for higher export levies.
Resources minister defends gas companies amid tax push
The gas lobby says a new levy on LNG exports will make Australia "uninvestable", arguing comparisons to countries like Norway don't stack up.
There’s a problem with making public transport free
Cutting public transport fares is great for people who already catch it but doesn't do much to help those for whom it is too inaccessible or infrequent.
Embattled motorists win bowser relief as taxes slashed
The government has moved to cut taxes on petrol and diesel, as the Middle East war sends global oil prices through the roof.