BLOG: Commentary

The Great Capital-Gains-Tax Hoax

photo credit: Paul KeleherGavin R. Putland In light of the recent Tax and Transfer Review by the Federal Government, lobbying interests are moving to reduce capital gains taxes. The term "capital gain" contains a deliberate contradiction: real capital doesn't gain....

Tax Review Must Enhance Property Taxes

photo credit: x_jamesmorris Wednesday's release of the Architecture of Australia's Tax and Transfer System review paper saw commentary by lobby groups attacking capital gains taxes. PETER ANDERSON, CEO ACCI: Our capital gains tax has not been looked at in an...

Insights on Canberra’s Land Rent Bill

Gavin Putland The ACT's Land Rent Act, with promised savings of 79% compared to the standard mortgage-based system of home ownership, took effect on July 1. This is an innovative housing affordability policy. Here's what I wrote about it a week before it became law. I...

The Silver Bullet

Hear the author Fred Harrison interviewed on the Renegade Economists tomorrow. Make sure you are podcasting us so you never miss the show. Fred Harrison's new book levels some very serious charges at the current leaders of the poverty industry. The good intentions,...

Container Homes to the Rescue?

Desperation in the housing market is leading to varied responses. The latest the Age has promoted is the Container Home phenomenon. Miners earning $100,000 have been forced into them in Port Headland and other fast growing mining communities. Now a company is...