Taxation
Taxation is an important part of economic policy – not only in raising revenue for governments to spend, but also in influencing private saving, investment and spending decisions, and for affecting the distribution of income and wealth. Decisions as to what is (or isn’t taxed), and at what rate, are always controversial, and sometimes have unintended consequences.
An agenda for tax reform
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Taxation | 22nd June 2025On 22nd and 23rd June, John Menadue’s Pearls and Irritations blog published (in two parts) Saul’s article about options that ideally should be on Australian Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers’ table as he considers how tax reform could contribute to two of the challenges he highlighted in his address to the National Press Club on 10th […]
Inequality in the Distribution of Wealth – An Inter-Generational Perspective
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Taxation | 5th June 2025Article published by Inside Story and Pearls and Irritations in June 2025 , based on Saul’s talk to the Business Breakfast hosted by the Tasmanian Division of the Salvantion Army on 19th May 2025 for the launch of their Annual Red Shield Appeal.
Government’s proposal to increase the tax on superannuation
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, News, Recent Media Interview, Taxation | 22nd May 2025Saul Eslake talks to Radio 2HD Newcastle’s Brent Bultitude about the Government’s proposal to increase the tax on superannuation balances of more than $3 million, including by taxing unrealized capital gains in those funds
An inter-generational perspective on wealth inequality in Australia
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Video, Housing, Taxation | 16th May 2025In this presentation, to the Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal Business Breakfast in Hobart on 16th May 2025, Saul Eslake puts an inter-generational lens on the issue of inequality in the distribution of wealth in Australia.
Australia’s Federal Election 2025 Key Issues
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Housing, Productivity, Recent Media Interview, Taxation, The Australian Economy | 27th April 2025In this InEconomics podcast series Saul Eslake dives into an in-depth analysis of cost-of-living and housing issues, shedding light on untargeted policies and the broader economic implications.
Bad Housing Policy (yet again?)
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Housing, News, Recent Media Interview, Taxation | 14th April 2025Saul Eslake with Laura Tingle discuss this election’s housing affordability agenda:
For the last three years, Australia’s federal opposition has challenged Labor’s management of the economy and budget. But with the latest Newspoll numbers showing trouble for the coalition, the election campaign has taken a dramatic turn. Housing policies from both sides—Labor and the Coalition—are set to shape the future of Australian homeownership. Are these policies truly solving the crisis, or just inflating house prices?
There must be an election on – both major parties are proposing policies which will push up house prices
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Housing, News, Publications, Taxation | 13th April 2025Saul Eslake’s reaction to both major parties’ proposed housing policies on 13th April 2025
Negative Gearing
Economic Policies, Housing, News, Recent Media Interview, Taxation | 26th September 2024Saul talks to ABC News Channel’s “Afternoon Briefing” presenter Greg Jennett about reports that the Albanese Government may be thinking about changes to negative gearing and/or the capital gains tax discount, and what such changes might mean for housing affordability.