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Policy

Tax & Super

This Month

Former Virtical directors Mark Toma and John Palasty outside court.

Players in alleged $200m GST scam turn on each other in court

Each of the two former directors of pub-owning company Virtical say the other was responsible for invoices that could reveal the biggest GST tax fraud in Australia’s history if proven.

Anti-avoidance tax laws are held together by band-aids and a series of ATO interpretations.

Why the Bendel case could lead to Division 7A’s long-overdue revamp

The big question is whether the government will apply another Band-aid solution or finally decide to simplify anti-avoidance laws.

Small business say they are being slugged extra payroll tax in NSW.

Interest rates, doctors’ bills to rise to pay backdated payroll tax

Industry groups warn of “contagion” from Revenue NSW’s aggressive interpretation of payroll tax law.

Uber argues it introduces drivers and riders, rather than transporting passengers.

Ruling on $81m tax affects all gig economy, Uber says

If the ride-share company’s payments to drivers are “in relation to” work, then gig economy companies could be liable for hundreds of millions in payroll tax Australia-wide

Indexation would provide greater certainty for taxpayers and policymakers alike.

Bracket creep means you keep less income. Indexation would end the stealth tax

Adjusting for inflation would not only give relief to taxpayers but allow for real reform that would enable political parties to fulfil their promises to lower taxes.

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Victoria has become a relatively “poor” state.

Three reasons Victoria has joined Tasmania, SA as a beggar state

Unless it can substantially improve its productivity performance, Victoria will continue to be the butt of sneering from richer states.

ASIC chairman Joe Longo will stay on the super sector’s tail.

Australia now has a new ‘poster child’ for bad governance

ASIC boss Joe Longo is furious at what he sees as basic failings in the way the $4 trillion superannuation system is conducting itself.

Stagnant super fund boardrooms are about to get a mandatory gust of fresh air.

Who are the super directors facing APRA’s tenure limit?

There will scarcely be a board of a major industry super fund untouched if the prudential regulator comes after these lucrative patronages.

APRA chairman John Lonsdale wants to lift governance standards across the financial services sector.

Cbus drama puts industry funds in APRA’s sights

The regulator wants to force new standards for the skills and capabilities of directors of financial services institutions. Industry super funds appear to be particularly in its sights. 

Kirk Tsihlis said he was exiting the construction contracting space “entirely” after losses.

Government subcontractor collapse leaves $30m tax debt

An investor tied to firms winning state government work has had a second company linked to him collapse owing taxes, raising questions about procurement policies.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says Australia’s super funds could be a bargaining chip in any tariff negotiations.

Sydney to host return leg of Australian global super summit

The summit spruiking bilateral investment will return later in 2025, with Sydney to play host to super chiefs and US investors

February

AFR

An investing handbook for retirement

Why this chief investment officer still gets financial advice.

How to plan for retirement as a business owner

Business owners need to think about retirement well in advance so they can navigate the tax implications of selling a business.

Jim Chalmers, Steven Kennedy and Angus Taylor.

Treasury boss rejects ‘politicisation’ attack by Coalition

In a fiery estimates hearing, Steven Kennedy rejected claims his department has been politicised by Jim Chalmers and filled with former Labor advisers.

Accountant Filomena Kyriacou.

Banned Sydney tax agent back in business on the Gold Coast

Controversial accountant Filomena Kyriacou has emerged at the helm of a Gold Coast accounting firm.

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Australia’s superannuation funds are looking to expand investments in the US.

Australian super moves to secure tighter ties to US investments

Australia’s $2.8 trillion superannuation sector wants to capitalise on a need for reliable capital to put into major US infrastructure projects.

Ken Henry (right) says politicians like Jim Chalmers must avoid a “tragedy” on tax reform.

‘Punishing’ tax system breaks budget law, ‘mugs’ the young: Henry

The former Treasury secretary has blasted Jim Chalmers and past treasurers for breaking the budget laws by failing to manage financial risks from an eroding tax system.

Instead of insatiably seeking to take in more money from new and existing members, Big Super should be focused on how it’s paying out more to members when they hit retirement.

Big super shouldn’t control our retirement

Meaningful change to the retirement income system should ensure that consumers have competitive and tailored retirement products and services to choose

Cbus chairman Wayne Swan recognises the need for change.

Cbus must heed its last warning, or risk a crisis

APRA’s concerns have echoes of scandals in the banking sector, the casino industry and at PwC. The fund must act to fix its risk and operational weaknesses. 

Wayne Swan and Andrew Bragg appear at odds over what an answer to a question on notice is.

Wayne Swan, Cbus still won’t answer the question

The Labor powerbroker and Cbus chairman and Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg seem at odds on what constitutes an answer to a question on notice.

Treasurer Dr Jim Chalmers (pictured) has been trying to drum up support to pass super tax changes.

Albanese’s super tax will hurt young Aussies the most

The proposed superannuation tax hike is set to be one of the largest intergenerational tax changes in recent memory.

ASIC chairman Joe Longo is at the centre of a big market debate.

Super sector lies at heart of ASIC’s public v private debate

ASIC’s upcoming report into the shifts in public and private markets in Australia reflects the structural changes super is driving across the economy and markets.

While I’m no fan of policy-free elections, I’m even less of a fan of change for the sake of it.

First, do no harm to the tax system at the 2025 election

Large corporates would take a promise to do nothing over ‘somethings’ that have translated into complex and productivity-sapping changes to an already uncompetitive corporate tax system.

While surveys show fears of retirement is the top source of stress for workers, retirees themselves are among the most financially secure cohorts in the country.

Relax, here’s why you don’t need that much super

While surveys show fear of retirement is the top source of stress for workers, retirees themselves are among the most financially secure cohorts in the country.