Explainers
EXPLAINER
Albanese wants universal childcare, Mamdani has a roadmap
When asked about his legacy, Anthony Albanese has always been clear about what he wants to be remembered for: universal childcare. It’s a headline vision he shares with a prominent politician on the other side of the planet: New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But while both politicians have stated that universal childcare is their ambition, there’s a big difference between them when it comes to the details.
EXPLAINER
Deepfakes are changing political campaigning for the worse
The ease of creating deepfakes, paired with their potentially dangerous consequences, underscores the need for more widespread truth in political advertising laws.
EXPLAINER
Santos records nearly $47bn in sales over a decade without paying corporate tax
Corporate tax transparency data shows that for the 10th straight year, Santos has made zero corporate tax payments from nearly $47 billion in sales. This covers the period from 2013-14 to 2023-24 (the most recent data available).
EXPLAINER
Rare political window opens for government as support surges for 25% gas export tax
Support for a 25% tax on gas exports is surging across Australia: uniting politicians, big business, environmental organisations, and voters in an ever-growing coalition. This rapidly expanding support has created a unique political window, making it easier than ever for the government to act and secure $17 billion annually for essential services like schools and hospitals, and the momentum is only continuing to build.
EXPLAINER
Private health isn’t delivering on value. Here are three practical steps for reform
This is the second of three articles examining the value private health insurance and private healthcare bring to the Australian health system.
EXPLAINER
The fuel crisis: your questions answered
The global fuel crisis has left many Australians confused and overwhelmed, as fuel prices surge and ‘sold out’ signs start appearing at some petrol stations. Matt Grudnoff, Senior Economist at The Australia Institute, breaks down what’s happening and answers a few key questions.
EXPLAINER
Halving the fuel tax excise won't raise interest rates
One of the more repeated claims since the announcement that the government would be halving the fuel excise for 3 months is that doing so will be inflationary.
EXPLAINER
Private health premiums are rising, but is the system working? (spoiler: no)
This is the first of three articles examining the value private health insurance and private healthcare bring to the Australian healthcare system.
EXPLAINER
Gas export tax won’t harm trade or diplomacy despite industry scare campaign claims
Will a gas export tax harm our diplomatic relationships? No. Foreign companies being sad about having to pay some tax in Australia is quite different to foreign countries losing trust in Australia as a reliable trade partner.
EXPLAINER
How the gas industry exaggerates its economic importance
KPMG have accepted the data their clients gave them and used a methodology that their clients asked for, and are claiming that they are not to blame if these numbers are used on enormous billboards that could mislead policymakers and the public. This is nothing more than major consultants joining big gas in taking the piss.
