We should be able to enjoy the collective peace of mind that there is enough funding for the services we need, such as quality education, health, aged care, childcare and a decent income support system. A good government would make sure our tax system is up to the task by removing loopholes so that the wealthy and corporations give back fairly to our society. One of the big worries for older people is whether they can afford health and aged care. Instead of relying on user charges such as hefty aged care deposits, governments should raise the revenue they need fairly in order to guarantee those services to all who need them, including by reducing unaffordable tax breaks for wealthy retirees.
ACOSS economics and tax policy work is concentrated upon policies that will strengthen economic development and growth, meaning that people on low incomes benefit from more jobs and improved incomes. Another major focus is the reform of the taxation system in order to raise public revenue for the benefits and services people need.
We have participated in reviews of the tax and transfer system through the development of tax reform options; participation in tax reform working and reference groups; and submissions to the tax reform process.
ACOSS analysed the impact of the Government’s three-stage income tax package on public revenues, the future of essential services, and jobs and income growth. These briefing papers can be found under ACOSS Economics and Tax publications.
Economics and tax publications
- ACOSS statement on tax breaks for housing investment
October 2024 - Submission on new Aged Care Bill
September 2024 - ACOSS Briefing Note: ‘The Squeeze’
August 2024 - Fuel Tax Credit Reform Joint Statement
May 2024 - ACOSS Budget Priorities Statement – 2024 – 2025
March 2024
Accordion Content
Accordion Content
- Superannuation & retirement incomes
Accessible Version Here
September 2020 - Supplementary Pre-Budget Submission 2020-2021
Accessible Version Here
24 August 2020 - Member brief on ACOSS policies for the retirement incomes review
February 2020 - Submission to the Retirement Income Review
February 2020 - ACOSS Budget Priority Statement 2020-2021
2020 - Accessible ACOSS Budget Priority Statement 2020-2021
2020
- Submission on the implications of removing refundable franking credits
November 2018 - History repeats on tax cuts and the Budget
June 2018 - Submission to Senate Economics Committee on proposed income tax cuts
May 2018 - Budget snapshot: Missing in Action
May 2018 - Budget snapshot: Tax
May 2018 - Company Tax Cuts
April 2018 - Minimum wage submission 2018
March 2018 - Budget Priorities Statement: Pre-Budget Submission, 2018
February 2018
- Ending tax avoidance, evasion and money laundering through private trusts
November 2017 - Tax Deductible Gift Recipient Reform Opportunities: Discussion Paper
July 2017 - Budget 2017 – Revenue Measures
May 2017 - Submission to the Review of the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
March 2017 - Budget Priorities Statement 2017
February 2017
- Submission to the Superannuation (Objective) Bill 2016
December 2016 - Submission to Senate Inquiry into the Superannuation (Excess Transfer Balance Tax) Bill 2016 and Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Bill 2016
November 2016 - Submission to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enterprise Tax Plan) Bill 2016
September 2016 - Australian Development Goals Summit: On the Road to Implementation, Outcomes Report
September 2016 - Submission to Inquiry into Treasury Laws Amendment (Income Tax Relief) Bill 2016
September 2016 - Submission to the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Budget Repair) Bill 2016
September 2016 - 2016 Budget Analysis
May 2016 - Reform of the taxation of superannuation
April 2016 - Budget Priorities Statement 2016-17
February 2016 - Submission to the Standing Community on Economics Inquiry into Income Tax Deductibility
January 2016
- Tax Talks 5: Effects of a higher GST on households
November 2015 - Tax Talks 4: Three foundations for a secure retirement
July 2015 - Tax Talks 3: Re-think, Re-engage, Re-design. Response to the Federal Govt Tax Discussion Paper 2015
June 2015 - Submission to the Inquiry into Social Services Legislation Amendment Bill – social security payments
May 2015 - Budget Analysis 2015-16
May 2015 - Tax Talks 2 – Fuel on the fire: negative gearing, capital gains tax and housing affordability
April 2015 - ACOSS Strategic Plan 2014-2017
February 2015 - Budget Priorities Statement 2015-16
February 2015 - ACOSS Tax Talk No 1: Are we paying our fair share?
January 2015