Society & Inequality
The RBA wanted to slow spending, but soaring petrol prices already have
The Reserve Bank’s decision to raise interest rates this week was a double whammy for Australians struggling with petrol price increases in the past month that have already cost them more than the impact of the rate rise.
Unemployment rises as RBA rate hikes expose a costly misread of the economy
In February the unemployment rate rose from 4.1% to 4.3%, providing further evidence the Reserve Bank misread the economy when it raised rates in both February and this week.
Australia’s 'broken' innovation system needs bold reform – and fast
Amid global turmoil, the report of the Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) calls for “bold reform” of Australia’s “broken” research and innovation system. What better time to prepare for an uncertain future.
Factcheck: Are population growth and a lack of supply driving the housing crisis? (no)
The Senate Select Committee on the Operation of the Capital Gains Tax Discount tabled its report on Tuesday. In short, it found that Australia’s current tax system favours investors and fuels intergenerational inequality. But the Coalition maintains the CGT discount is “working as intended.”
South Australia vote looms as research shows majority back abortion rights
As South Australia prepares to vote amid escalating anti-abortion rhetoric, new polling research shows that a clear majority of Australians support a woman’s right to choose.
It's time to scrap tax discounts for the wealthy and stop turbocharging inequality
As we approach the Federal Budget, speculation is swirling about changes to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount and negative gearing. And just yesterday a senate committee handed down its report on the CGT discount after hearing evidence that it worsens inequality and encourages property investors to gamble on housing.
Pressure mounts on Albanese Government to curb investor tax breaks after CGT inquiry findings
The Albanese Government has again signalled its plans to wind back the capital gains tax discount, after a Senate inquiry gave Treasurer Jim Chalmers the green light ahead of the May budget.
Women whistleblowers are vital in healthcare, we need to do more to protect them
Behind the closed doors of a consultation room, or concealed by impenetrable medical jargon, wrongdoing in the healthcare sector impacts the lives of every Australian.
Robodebt findings spark calls to fix NACC and protect whistleblowers
An investigation into the illegal Robodebt scheme has found two senior public officials engaged in corrupt conduct, but the Greens say the political and bureaucratic “architects” have “walked away scot-free”.
The gaping hole in Australia’s gun laws explained
To get a gun licence in Australia, an applicant must have a “genuine reason” to use a gun. You can’t just have a gun because you want one -- firearm ownership is a privilege in Australia, not the sort of right that United States gun owners never tire of talking about.
