A new ANU computer algorithm can provide near instant answers about how to get the best bang for welfare dollars. It says we should boost Newstart and cut either pensions or family benefits.
South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni must answer several big questions about the country’s economic plans.
Sebastiao Moreira
Global travelers are being increasingly asked if they want to pay for local purchases in terms of their home country currency. Here’s why you should resist the strong temptation to do so.
Bowen will insert a qualifier, saying that the pledges are on the basis of the budget figures released last week.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Outlining the fiscal parameters the opposition will take to the election, Bowen will repeat that the ALP would achieve budget balance in the same year as the government – 2019-20.
There’s never been a better time for tax reform. But as governments have tried (and stumbled) over the years the burden has shifted to individual taxpayers and the latest budget looks no different.
A small change in the method for valuing gas would increase revenue from the petroleum resource rent tax by US$15.5 billion to 2030, compared to the current US$5 billion to 2030.
The government is pinning its hopes on making this election all about tax – casting itself as champion of lower tax and Labor as signed up to what Morrison dubs the “high tax club”.
In a pre-election budget, we can expect infrastructure politics to triumph over policy, yet again.
Julian Smith/AAP
Australia does need infrastructure to spur growth and support jobs - that idea comes with a big “but”.
The key reason for the squeeze on household spending and saving is of course the ongoing weakness in the growth rate of household disposable income.
Lukas Coch/AAP
From Morrison’s point of view, McCormack’s imagery was totally out of whack with his desired framing. Even within the Nationals there is some criticism of the leader for being inept.
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne