Economics 101: Understanding the Proposed Tax Cuts and 2020 Budget Forecasts
The federal budget is fast approaching and will be the first recession budget to be handed down in 30 years. Critical decisions to increase public spending or cut taxes will be made in the next three weeks — each having long term implications on the future of our country. The former has the potential to help us build a fair, more inclusive future, while the latter will fast-track the wealth divide and further entrench economic disadvantage.
To support your work to secure major economic reform and policy decisions in favour of government spending on people, public services and sustainable industries, we’re pleased to share a selection of reports, articles and resources from economic experts to help you better understand the economy, the long term threat looming tax cuts and ambitious approaches to secure significant public spending.
EVENT: ACOSS post budget conversation
12th Oct 2020 - 12.00pm - 1.30pm
The ACOSS Post Budget Event is a key annual event for civil society and the community services sector providing a critical opportunity for attendees to receive detailed briefings on key budget measures and their likely impacts on people experiencing poverty and inequality. Guest speakers include:
MC: Patricia Karvelas, ABC Radio and TV Host
Damian Griffis, CEO, First Peoples Disability Network
Sam Mostyn, Non-Executive Director and Sustainability Adviser
Cat Nadel, Co-Founder and Co-Director, YOUNG Campaigns
Cassandra Goldie, CEO, ACOSS
Federal budget briefing for civil society
(Sept 2020)
Recording of virtual briefing with Emma Dawson from Per Capita, Danielle Wood from Grattan Institute and Peter Lewis from Essential - covering a forecast of what’s coming up in federal budget, mapping of likely risks and strategic communications advice to help advance campaigns for significant government spending in the coming weeks and months.
Economics 101 briefing for civil society
(Sept 2020)
Recording of virtual briefing with Emma Dawson from Per Capita and Danielle Wood from Grattan Institute.
(Sept 2020)
The Australia reMADE memo for leadership in the 2020 Federal Budget
The Per Capita Tax Survey 2020
(Sept 2020)
The tenth annual Per Capita Tax Survey provides insight into the views held by Australians about the role of tax and public services in our national life. The data shows a renewed appreciation for essential services and increased government spending since the pandemic began.
What Happens Next? Reconstructing Australia after COVID-19
(Sept 2020)
Edited by Emma Dawson from Per Capita and Janet McCalman, with contributions from some of Australia’s most respected academics and leading thinkers, What Happens Next? sets out a progressive, reforming agenda to tackle the twin crises of climate change and inequality. It provides a framework through which our collective effort can be devoted to improving the lives of all Australians, and the sustainability of the world in which we live.
Early tax cuts as stimulus – gender analysis
(Sept 2020)
The Australia Institute research suggests bringing forward personal income tax cuts would mostly go to high income men. Despite recession job losses affecting women more than men, $2.19–$2.28 of the tax cut will go to men for every $1 that goes to women.
(Sept 2020)
An explainer from The Australia Institute on why tax cuts for high income earners aren’t the best way to stimulate the economy.
ACOSS Budget Priority Statement 2020-2021
(June 2020)
ACOSS makes the case for why the government need to step up and use the 2020 budget to bolster growth in incomes, spending and investment to reduce unemployment and improve community wellbeing.
The Recovery Book: what Australian governments should do now
(June 2020)
An explainer from The Grattan Institute on why the Federal Government should inject $70 to $90 billion in extra economic stimulus, including revamping and extending JobKeeper, to help Australia recover from the COVID-19 recession.
(April 2020)
A very helpful explainer from Per Capita on why public debt is nothing like household debt, and why the economy is capable of supporting a high standard of living for every Australia.
Design Principles for Fiscal Policy in a Pandemic
(April 2020)
The economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic requires fast, large, effective and well targeted fiscal stimulus. While the size of the government’s initial three spending packages is appropriate as an initial response, both the shape of that response and the design of future spending measures need to be carefully evaluated. The Australia Institute argues that, in designing subsequent rounds of fiscal stimulus, governments should go early, go hard and put purchasing power with households who are more likely to spend it.
Meet The Taxpayers: Comparing Labor and the Coalition’s Tax Platforms
(May 2019)
A Per Capita research report comparing the two major parties’ tax policies, highlighting the inequities of the Stage 3 coalition plan (which is now legislated).
Why Australia Prospered: The Shifting Sources of Economic Growth
(Nov 2012)
A historical examination by Ian W McLean of how Australia cultivated and sustained economic growth and success.