Economy
Beware the headlines: Most of December’s CPI “jump” was driven by costly summer travel
Pundits will be calling on the RBA to hike rates to contend with “higher than expected” inflation. A close look at the ABS data tells another story.
As heatwaves worsen, Australia remains a climate laggard
As the nation’s south-east languishes through another heatwave, new data has revealed what millions already know: more Australians are feeling the heat. The OECD has released its Economic Surveys for 2026 and it makes for sobering reading.
OECD says its time to cut the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing
The OECD’s annual survey of Australia’s economy this week bluntly noted what most Australians understand very clearly: housing is expensive and in short supply. The report highlighted issues with planning that restrict density in urban areas, but importantly it also noted the need to reform Australia’s tax system to stop favouring investors.
What the IMF actually said about Australia’s economy
Contrary to what some commentary has suggested, when the IMF put out its January update to the October World Economic Outlook this week, there was actually precious little in it about Australia.
Oxfam: Australian billionaires pocket $600,000 a day as inequality deepens
A major report by Oxfam released today has found that the average Australian billionaire increased their wealth by almost $600,000 a day over the past year, or more than $10.5 billion altogether.
I like to be in America? New travel figures suggest otherwise.
Australian travellers have given the Trump presidency a resounding thumbs down.
Fact check: Will restrictions on property investors reduce housing supply and push up rents?
The Australian Property Investor Magazine claims that solving the housing crisis “could rest upon property investors”.
Watered-down superannuation reform to go back to Parliament
Superannuation is supposed to be for retirement. Unfortunately, it has become like Australia’s own internal tax haven and inheritance scheme for wealthy people.
Local governments in Australia – how they work and the inquiry into their future
Collectively, local government is responsible for about one-third of all Australia’s public infrastructure assets. But how do they work? How do they raise money? And what is their future?
