The Greens’ Senator Scott Ludlam said changes to arts funding will mean arts minister George Brandis won’t need to publicly disclose who he’s funding. He said it’s unbelievable – but is it true?
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said this week that Labor’s pledge to source half the nation’s power from renewable energy by 2030 will “mean a massive bill, perhaps $60 billion or more, that will have to be carried by the consumers of Australia.” Is that right?
Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey told the ABC this week that 50% of all income tax in Australia is paid by 10% of the working population. Is that statement supported by the data?
Unions have warned that there is no clear statement in the China-Australia free trade deal that says foreign and Australian workers have to receive the same conditions and pay. Is that correct?
The Shadow Assistant Treasurer, Andrew Leigh, has said the the Government’s latest tax discussion paper says the GST is as inefficient as income tax, adding he thinks it’s less equitable. Is that right?
Broadcaster Alan Jones told the Q&A audience this week that coal fired power costs about $79 a kilowatt-hour, while wind power is about $1502 a-kilowatt hour. Is that right?
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has described other countries’ emissions reduction targets as “airy-fairy promises that never come to anything.” How does that statement stack up against the evidence?
Despite doctors voicing fears they could be jailed for disclosing abuse of refugees, Richard Marles says whistleblower protection laws would still apply in relation to the Border Force Act. Is he right?
Liberal senator Cory Bernardi, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, has said that “the very best thing” for the development of a child is to have a mum and a dad. What does the research say?
Shadow Immigration Minister Richard Marles has said that the world is now going through its greatest period of humanitarian need since WWII. Is that right?
Social Services Minister Scott Morrison has said that a job is a “prescription” for a young person with mental health issues. What does the research on employment and mental health show?
Fresh details have emerged of a 2012 case of an Australian couple who were delivered twins via a commercial surrogacy arrangement in India, but brought only one twin home. Does Australia have obligations to ensure the other twin’s welfare?
Roman Lanis, University of Technology Sydney and Ross McClure, University of Technology Sydney
BHP Billiton’s Andrew Mackenzie says his firm is Australia’s largest taxpayer, pays an average of $8 - $10 billion of tax in Australia every year and has an effective tax rate of 45%. Is that right?
The Shadow Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has said that tax as a percentage of the economy is higher now than it was under the previous government. Is that right?
Recent comments by Federal Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, implied that Australia is leading the world in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP. Is that right?
Liberal Democrat Senator David Leyonhjelm has said that probably half to two-thirds of the Australian population is receiving some form of government benefit. Is that right?
Implying that 80% of Australian income tax goes straight towards the welfare bill overlooks the fact that a large proportion of income taxpayers benefit from social security.