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.
state budget and tax
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.
‘Broken and unfair’: states urge change to GST carve-up
The cost to Australian taxpayers of a contentious GST carve-up will rise by another $6.6 billion in 2026/27, sparking fresh anger from critics of the deal.
Aussie drivers divided over petrol vs electric future
Many Australian motorists plan to park an electric or hybrid vehicle in their garage in future but one policy change could alter their path.
‘Florid ramblings’: minister takes aim at CFMEU report
A minister has launched an extraordinary attack on the work of a top barrister probing CFMEU corruption as pressure builds on his party's leader.
‘Right the ship’: polluters tax could be vote spinner
An ex-Labor strategist turned pollster says there are votes in taxing Australia's biggest polluters through reframing the debate and evolving demographics.
Global minimum tax deal update backed by 145 countries
A 15 per cent global minimum tax framework has been kept as countries approved an update that allows carve-outs for some US companies.
Self-interest widening wealth gap between old and young
Bridging the gap in wealth between older and young Australians will require a major recalibration in housing attitudes and policies, a leading economist says.
Budget blowout ‘modest’ for Australia’s Olympic hosts
The mid-year budget report card has revealed a "modest" budget blowout as one state continues counting down to the 2032 Olympic Games.
‘Christmas grinch’: public service cuts as wages soar
Top dogs have not escaped the wrath of more than 1000 public service job cuts, with a state desperate to rein in wages and debt.
Extent of illegal cigarette sales in Australia revealed
Australia's illicit tobacco black market is in rude health, with estimates for the market share of illegally sold cigarettes ranging from 25 to 65 per cent.
Consumers feeling merry in time for a Christmas splurge
Australian consumers are the most optimistic they've been since early 2022 despite fading prospects of more interest rate cuts.
Tobacco tax cut ‘no fix’ to $4b smugglers’ paradise
Public health experts are urging authorities not to get the jitters on tobacco taxes as the economic cost of Australia's black market trade explodes.
NZ Labour apes Albo’s Labor with ‘Medicard’ policy
Australia's Medicare card would have a Kiwi equivalent if NZ Labour wins office, after a major policy play by Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins.
Abuse claims surge against childcare, pre-school staff
Allegations of abuse and misconduct involving childcare workers and early educators are on the rise, a watchdog warns.