
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers today open a three-day Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra that they say will underpin the government’s second-term productivity agenda. About 45 business leaders, union officials, academics and state representatives are expected to discuss almost 900 written submissions covering tax, housing and regulatory overhaul. The agenda includes proposals raised by Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, such as re-examining a carbon price and introducing a cash-flow levy to replace some company tax payments. Other ideas likely to gain quick traction include streamlining housing approvals, harmonising trade qualifications across states and accelerating environmental-law decisions with artificial-intelligence tools. Albanese told reporters the meeting’s outcomes could be presented to cabinet “within days,” although he cautioned that detailed costings would be developed over a three-year reform drive. Economist Warren Hogan and several industry groups warned the talks risk delivering little more than symbolism if politically difficult changes—such as broader tax reform—are deferred. Treasury has asked participants to focus on budget-neutral measures, and any legislation will need support from cross-benchers, including the Greens. Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock is scheduled to set the economic backdrop in opening remarks.
Political reporter Jack Quail shares what we can expect from today's Economic Reform Roundtable and what it will mean for business. Follow live: https://t.co/vo4Pjxb72r https://t.co/XhkCfEhfBD
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the economic reform outcomes that come out of the productivity roundtable could reach cabinet within days, despite critics warning the event risks being little more than a symbolic gesture. https://t.co/PCE81tsCE3
Business leaders and economists have urged Labor to seize ‘low hanging fruit’ reforms at its economic roundtable while also pursuing bolder changes to boost living standards > https://t.co/nBeLoyNY6Q https://t.co/CyPjl9YhjR