Matt Grudnoff
Matt Grudnoff is senior economist at the Australia Institute. He has published widely on a multitude of subjects, including taxation, the federal Budget, poverty & inequality, free trade agreements, housing affordability, energy economics and climate change.
Latest GDP figures show inflation being driven by profits
The health of the economy was revealed this week with the release of economic growth figures showing the economy grew at a better-than-expected rate of 2.6% for 2025. This compared to the forecast of just 2.2%.
The simple question at the heart of the capital gains tax debate: who should pay more tax, minimum-wage workers or wealthy investors?
The debate over the capital gains tax discount comes down to a very simple question: who do you think should pay more income tax? Should a high-income executive who makes a $400,000 capital gain (that is, a profit) from selling an investment property pay a higher tax rate than a full-time retail worker on minimum wage who decides to pick up a few extra shifts?
Wages are flat and inflation is up: why the RBA has it wrong
The latest wages data shows the RBA is wrong to blame higher wages for rising inflation. Recently inflation was on the rise, and the Reserve Bank is worried about a tight labour market. But what does a tight labour market mean, and what does it have to do with inflation?
RBA rate rise: we're in for a bumpy ride
The RBA has done exactly as the markets expected and increased interest rates by 0.25%. This will put more pressure on those with a mortgage.
