There is broad agreement among economists, social security experts, business leaders and the community sector that Australia’s tax and transfer system needs structural reform: to lift productivity, realise the benefits of a net zero economy, fund the essential social services and infrastructure relied upon, and reduce inequality within and between generations.

This document summarises the conversations at the Community tax summit 2025, held 20-21 February 2025, hosted by Per Capita and partners. The session summaries include questions, speaker quotes and attendee input. The keynotes include overviews, suggestions for reform and international examples. Recording links are provided for all sessions. 

Sessions

• Keynote address: Dr Ken Henry
• Keynote address: Prof Miranda Stewart
• Keynote address: Dr Katherine Trebeck
• Panel one: Inequality of wealth, income and opportunity
• Panel two: Housing: the great Australian divide
• Panel three: Social infrastructure, care and services
• Panel four: Broadening the tax base: what’s possible, sustainable and fair?
• Panel five: Welfare and social assistance
• Panel six: Lived experience of community services
• Panel seven: Climate transition, regional development and community wellbeing
• Panel eight: International taxation
• Panel nine: Lived experience of climate change and the regions
• Panel ten: How to achieve the change we need.