Category Commentary

Value Capture at Melb Transport Super Forum

Last night’s Melbourne Transport Super Forum featuring Minister Terry Mulden, the ALP’s Jill Hennessy and the Green’s Greg Barber was as packed as a Melbourne train with policy wonks and advocates. The presentations were dominated by the usual point scoring.…

Over the BBQ

They couldn't afford a new house, but they could afford two. Plus they get the "tax benefit" of negative gearing the rental, which we know is a crock, and they're doubly leveraged.

The Reserve Bank of Blackjack

The lack of intervention by the RBA over recent years has left the Australian banking system facing an inevitable confrontation. A confrontation that will suck the very life out of the Australian economy; and our way of life. Lets face it, incomes, and GDP are simply not keeping up with the banks toxic spending binge.

Dump Stamp Duties to help labour mobility

One of the biggest impediments to labour mobility are stamp duties levied on housing transactions. Stamp duties can add tens-of-thousands of dollars to the cost of changing home, leading to fewer transactions and discouraging labour mobility.

No Land for You, Melbourne

The Napthine government is determined to limit land supply and thereby further increase the cost of land for all in Melbourne.

The price of freshly subdivided land on the outskirts of cities reverberates and amplifies all the way to their centre. Constricting supply has profound implications.