Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers has emphasized the need for comprehensive tax reform that boosts investment and creates a fairer system for younger Australians and businesses. Business groups have cautioned against selective adoption of tax reform principles, insisting any changes must be implemented as a complete package. The Albanese government’s Economic Reform Roundtable has sparked debate over potential tax changes, with opposition parties warning that long-term discussions could lead to policies not previously disclosed to voters. Chalmers praised a recent report advocating company tax reform but declined to confirm whether proposals would be included in the next year’s budget. Meanwhile, the government has accelerated the implementation of its 5% deposit guarantee scheme for first home buyers to October 1, aiming to assist prospective homeowners. However, critics, including the opposition Coalition, argue that this measure could further inflate house prices by up to AUD 7,500 and fails to address core housing affordability issues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the scheme, stating it will make a substantial difference for new entrants to the property market and should be considered within the broader context of the government’s housing strategy.
Anthony Albanese says expanding the scheme will make an ‘enormous difference’ in helping entrants to the property market, as Treasury predicts it will put upward pressure on house prices. Follow live: https://t.co/olBOpGkZXR https://t.co/MpipenR38F
The Albanese government’s five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers has been condemned amid revelations it will push up house prices by as much as $7,500. https://t.co/Du5SKoT0rk
Anthony Albanese has downplayed Treasury’s concerns that Labor’s 5 per cent deposit scheme will add to house prices, saying the measure should be judged in the context of the government’s wider housing strategy. Follow live: https://t.co/olBOpGkZXR https://t.co/02kCGWZdcU