Profits over people
Big business says wants a more productive economy, but its complaints about industrial relations are really about its profit margins, says Matt Grudnoff.
Australia is a low-tax country | Fact sheet
Australia is one of the lowest-taxing countries in the developed world. While it is sometimes suggested that Australian governments spend too much, the reality is that Australia raises very little tax revenue compared to similar countries. Insofar as Australian governments have a problem balancing revenue and spending, that problem lies in the level of revenue
Mining’s big temper tantrum
The mining industry had a pre-election sook last week about government policy, but its claims about being the ‘backbone’ of the economy are more spin than substance.
Overdue report delivers scathing assessment of Tasmanian Government’s environmental record
The State of the Environment Report released today shows that Tasmania’s unique environmental assets have been severely impacted by years of neglect from the state government, the Australia Institute has said. Key Findings: The Tasmanian Government has released the first State of the Environment Report in 15 years. The report shows that the Government has
The mining industry is the biggest whinger in the country
The mining industry is now surely the biggest whinger in the Australian economy. This week it launched an all-out assault on the federal government at Minerals Week in Canberra, with chief executive of the mining industry’s chief lobby group the Minerals Council, Tania Constable, warning the government: “Undermine it at your peril.” Relative to its
The logging industry should be bound by Australia’s environment protection laws just like everyone else
This week, a private member’s bill to end native forest logging was up for debate. It sought to repeal legislation that exempts logging in much of Australia’s public forest estate from our national environment laws.
House prices aren’t just cooked, they’re deep fried
Australia’s housing market is cooked and capping international student numbers isn’t going to fix it, says Greg Jericho.
Chalmers is right, the RBA has smashed the economy
In recent weeks the Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been criticised by the opposition and some conservative economists for pointing out that the 13 interest rate increases have slowed Australia’s economy. But the data shows he is right.
Analysis: 95% of Government Revenue not from Mining Industry
Claims from the mining industry that they are significant funders of public services in Australia are overblown, ignore the fact that their profits are made off the back of public resources, and are heavily publicly subsidised, the Australia Institute has said. Key Points: Taxes and royalties paid by the mining industry make up just 5 cents
Scrap fuel tax rebates for mining industry, not farmers
The Fuel Tax Credits Scheme should be scrapped for the mining industry, not farmers, the Australia Institute has said in response to calls at today’s National Farmer Rally to keep the tax rebate for the agricultural industry. Key Findings: The Fuel Tax Credits Scheme, also called the Diesel Fuel Rebate, is a subsidy for fossil
A putrid set of numbers
Australia’s “pathetic” growth figures show that the Reserve Bank went too hard with interest rate increases, says Greg Jericho.
GDP Figures Show Per Capita Recession Entrenched Amid Inequality Crisis
Today’s national account figures show that GDP per capita fell by 0.4% during the June quarter. This is the 6th consecutive quarter of negative GDP per capita growth, showing that Australia is in a per capita recession amid an ongoing inequality crisis. Key Points: GDP per capita growth of –0.4% represents the 6th consecutive quarter of
Public spending keeps the economy going as the private sector is hit by rate rises
Fast rising interest rates have slowed the economy so sharply that only government spending is keeping it growing
Middle, middle, middle class: Harris’ pitch to the heartland
Greg Jericho, Australia Institute Chief Economist, joins us to examine the Harris-Walz economic agenda.
August 2024
The 9 to 5 is back! Time to put the phone on silent
If you’ve ever flicked off an email before bed, texted your boss out of hours, or received an ‘urgent’ work call after clocking off, you’ll be glad to hear some respite is just around the corner. A new right to disconnect from work, for employees in businesses with 15 or more staff, comes into force
New figures reveal yet again that wage growth is not driving inflation
The growth of wages under enterprise agreements is now as low as it has been for nearly a year.
Pour one out for the big four banks
Australia’s big banks are among the most profitable in the world, so forcing them to compete is essential, says Greg Jericho.
Wealth of nations: how Australia’s prosperity is funnelled to the ultra-rich
Australia’s flawed tax system means that there’s never been a better time to be ultra-wealthy in Australia, despite some people struggling to put food on the table.
Closing Loopholes Protections, Including Right to Disconnect, Come Into Effect 26 August
New labour rights coming into effect on 26 August, including the ‘Right to Disconnect’.
Taxes on tampons, tax breaks for luxury utes: gender in the budget
Last week, the federal government announced plans to define menstrual products as “lifestyle-related” and exclude them from NDIS funding.
Who is holding the purse strings?
Next month, the Albanese government is due to announce its proposed changes to Australian electoral laws. It has been a long road. The minister responsible, Senator Don Farrell, had planned to introduce the laws by the end of last year.
Greedflation: what’s really causing inflation | Joseph Stiglitz on Q+A
Is government spending inflationary?
Tax System Turbocharging Wealth Inequality in Australia
The wealth of Australia’s richest 200 people nearly tripled as a share of GDP over the last two decades, as inequality grew to new record levels in the country, the Australia Institute has shown.
Rate expectations: will Australians get a rate cut for Christmas?
The Reserve Bank Governor may be keeping her cards close to her chest, but a slowing economy means a rate cut this year could still be on the table, says Greg Jericho.
The rate rises have cost households and businesses billions of dollars
The rate rises over the past 2 years have seen banks taken billion from households and business in increased interest payments.
.Fossil fuels are gobbling up construction capacity and it’s hurting at home
In the wake of the Reserve Bank’s latest forecasts, Treasurer Jim Chalmers is facing calls that government should cut back on infrastructure investment to relieve inflation pressures and free up workers and resources to build much-needed housing.
$41 billion of new fossil fuel projects are gobbling up construction supply chain
$41b of committed resource and energy infrastructure projects is soaking up construction capacity that could otherwise be used to build essential infrastructure, such as housing and roads.
NT motorists pay 32 times more in rego than the gas industry pays in royalties: New research
Motorists pay almost 32 times more in vehicle registration than the gas industry pays in royalties in the Northern Territory, according to new Australia Institute research.
Off-Peak Hot Water: One Simple Change to Support Renewable Rollout
Australia’s off-peak hot water systems should be reconfigured to consume electricity in the middle of the day, rather than at night, according to new research from the Australia Institute and Buildings Alive.
How superannuation tax concessions help the rich get richer
Super tax concessions make inequality worse and are at risk of becoming more expensive than the aged pension.
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