You’d think it would be a simple question to answer, but unfortunately it’s not. Here’s why.
Is Labor’s childcare policy welfare for the well-off?
Why cheaper childcare is an economic reform and who benefits
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Explainer: the argument over personal income tax cuts
Tomorrow’s Budget is likely to feature personal income tax cuts – this piece explains the policy choices, who benefits, and the key things to look out for
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How many babies have you given birth to?
The world only ever asks about women’s children. Australia should be the first country to ask about men’s.
Our economic institutions are forecasting policy failure. Governments will have to spend up big to avoid it.
Australia is in for a long and damaging economic slump, unless governments inject substantially more fiscal stimulus.
The track record of OECD Economic Surveys
Between 1972 and 2018, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) issued 31 Economic Surveys of Australia – about one every 18 months. Each survey suggested policy reforms that the OECD believed would increase economic growth and living standards. How often were their recommendations implemented?
Tax-deductible childcare — the worst of all worlds
Making childcare tax-deductible would be a backward step. Most families, and especially low-income families, would be worse off than under the subsidy. And work disincentives would be even worse than they are now.
read more Tax-deductible childcare — the worst of all worlds
8 in 10 hardest-hit federal electorates are now in Victoria
Updated ABS payroll data shows that job losses due to COVID-19 were clearly concentrating in Victoria, even before Stage 3 and 4 restrictions took effect across the state.
read more 8 in 10 hardest-hit federal electorates are now in Victoria
Early release of super doesn’t justify higher compulsory contributions
New Grattan Institute modelling shows that most Australians will have a comfortable retirement – even if they’ve spent some of their super early.
read more Early release of super doesn’t justify higher compulsory contributions
Victorians must all share the lockdown load
Victorians in 10 postcodes across Melbourne’s north and west have been ordered back into lockdown. But regaining control of COVID-19 remains the responsibility of all Victorians.