While inequality is not extreme in Australia by international comparison, it is trending in the wrong direction according to this report. Executive summary Excessive inequality in any society is harmful. It is harmful to the ability of people to participate in social and economic opportunities, and it undermines social cohesion. Excessive inequality is bad for...

Tax reform can no longer be avoided. Tax reform is essential to help resolve the serious Budget pressures facing federal and state governments which threaten essential benefits and services. We need it to underpin growth - in investment, living standards and jobs - at a time of major structural and technological change in Australia and...

While the 2015-16 Budget delivered welcome new investment in early childhood education and care and charted a fairer path on pension reform, the combined effect of the two budgets is to leave people on low incomes to once again bear the burden of Budget restraint.

Calls for action to restrict tax deductions for negatively geared property investments and the 50% discount on Capital Gains Tax, that are together costing the Budget $7 billion a year and fuelling housing price booms. SummaryA vital goal for tax reform is to improve the affordability of housing. Australia has among the most expensive housing...

This survey of almost 1,000 community service workers from around the country shows that 43% of services are simply unable to meet the needs of people coming to them for help. Overview The Australian Community Sector Survey (ACSS) was conducted at a time when changes to social policy were expected to significantly impact the lives...