Taxation shapes the society we want to live in. It facilitates the provision of public services and is a key policy lever to reduce inequality. Too often the decision of how and who we tax — or do not tax — is shaped by vested interests rather than asking what is best for most Australians.

Where governments choose to tax and where to spend money shows a lot about their priorities. Inequality and poverty are policy choices. In fact, the Australian Government collects more tax from HECS than the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax.

Australia is a rich country and one of the lowest taxed countries in the developed world, yet families are being forced to choose between basic needs, such as food, fuel, and health care. How can this be so? Australians need a tax system that fits the needs of our community for a more equitable society. After this year’s historic election win, the ALP government has a unique opportunity to reform the taxation system and set a bold agenda, or as Anthony Albanese himself calls it – show some “progressive patriotism”.

This year the Australia Institute’s Revenue Summit brings together economists and leading experts to discuss revenue options to meet Australia’s spending needs. The 2025 Revenue Summit is an opportunity to contextualise debt, explore potential new means of revenue, challenge paradigms and reassess public spending priorities.

Speakers include:

• Hon Steven Miles MP, Former Premier of Queensland (2023-2024), Queensland State Opposition Leader

“Coal Royalties: Why Queensland is Miles Ahead” [video]

• Senator Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator for Queensland

“This is Why We Can’t Have (more) Nice Things” [video]

• Senator David Pocock, Independent Senator for the Australian Capital Territory

• Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Federal Independent Member for Curtin

“Paying It Forward: How Tax Reform Can Save Future Generations” [video]

• Saul Eslake, Independent Economist

“Revenue Raising & Tax Reform: Better Call Saul” [video]

• Professor Janine Dixon, Director of the Centre of Policy Studies, Victoria University

“Cutting Company Income Tax: A Tale of Two Studies” [video]

• Dr Ingrid Burfurd, Carbon Pricing and Policy Lead, The Superpower Institute

“Carbon Tax: The Price of Doing Nothing” [video]

• Liam O’Brien, Assistant Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

“How a 25% Tax on Gas Exports Could Fix Australia’s Housing Problem” [video]

• Dr Emma Shortis, Director of International & Security Affairs Program, The Australia Institute
  • Delivered by Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, The Australia Institute

“Submarines or Sovereignty” [video]

• Dr Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute

“Opening Remarks” [video]

Panel Discussions

“Big Gas Greed: A Debate on Energy, Industry and Fairness” [video]

• Geoff Crittenden, Chief Executive Officer, Weld Australia
• Deidre Willmott, Strategic Advisor, Fortescue
• Greg Jericho, Chief Economist, The Australia Institute

Chaired by Leanne Minshull, co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute

“Housing & Tax Reform: Building a Fairer Future” [video]

• Maiy Azize, National Spokesperson, Everybody’s Home
• Jordan van den Lamb (Purple Pingers), Housing Advocate
• Josie Lee, Advocacy Lead, Oxfam Australia

Chaired by Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute

“Money Talks: Why Inequality Isn’t Inevitable” [video]

• Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Council of Social Service & Adjunct Professor, UNSW Sydney
• Kasy Chambers, Executive Director, Anglicare Australia
• Dr Mark Zirnsak, Secretariat, Tax Justice Network Australia

Chaired by Dr Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, The Australia Institute

Download Revenue Summit 2025 Program Booklet

Please Note: this is an in-person event and will not be live streamed.

Questions Contact: events@australiainstitute.org.au

The Australia Institute is one of Australia’s most influential public policy think tanks, conducting independent research that drives the public debate and secures policy outcomes for a more equitable Australia.

The 2025 Revenue Summit sees economists, taxation experts and politicians coming together to discuss and explore how we meet Australia’s growing public spending needs over the coming decades.