PROGRESS
No. 1134 (Spring 2024)Join us as we celebrate 120 years of Progress Magazine.
This edition explores some of the ideas behind tax reform and Prosper’s proposals for shifting the tax base away from earned and onto unearned incomes. It features Prof Ross Garnaut’s 2023 Henry George Address, “Australia: Made for Free Trade and a Tax on Rent” – a compelling ride through decades of Australian economic policy.
2023 EJ Craigie Award winner Dr Waleed Aly asks “In Australia, why do people who produce nothing get rewarded the most?”
Rayna Fahey unpacks the demographic shifts in the electorate since the last federal election and explores what that might mean for the 2025 “cost of living” federal election.
Tim Helm provides a summary of Prosper’s recent research including using land taxes to reduce effective marginal tax rates (EMTRs) which act as a disincentive to workers starting or increasing work. Tim also shares the results of the latest Speculative Vacancies report which investigates what happened to empty homes in Melbourne during the pandemic.
Think Forward’s Thomas Walker shares their latest research into intergenerational attitudes to the tax system. You’ll be surprised what Australia’s young people have to say about tax reform.
Steve Hoskins investigates the Georgist success story of Singapore and what economic potential this tiny state unlocked through capturing land values for the benefit of all.
Finally, Paul Forrester explores climate policy, and asks what Henry George would have to offer in the way of policy solutions.
Join us as we explore contemporary Georgist debates, delving into the implications of land and housing dynamics in today’s world.
In this edition
Australia: Made for Free Trade and a Tax on Rent
By Ross Garnaut
Now is the time for the cash flow tax and for other reform measures to make Australia a more prosperous and equitable economy and society and successful democratic polity.
Australia’s big tax project
By Thomas Walker
Younger generations will inherit our economic system, so what do they have to say about it state of it now? Think Forward’s CEO shares their survey results.
In Australia, why do people who produce nothing get rewarded the most?
By Waleed Aly
If we’re going to have to rethink our tax system, rent-seeking seems a good place to start.
Singapore: Economic Prosperity through Innovative Land Policy
By Steven Hoskins
The key factor behind Singapore’s success is a set of policies firmly guided by the Georgist mindset of capturing and sharing land value.
The Tax Shift
By Rayna Fahey
In the next election, the cost of housing will be a key issue, and those most affected are gaining influence at the ballot box as voter demographics shift.
Buying better income taxes with better land taxes
By Tim Helm
What could $27 billion fund if Commonwealth-state transfers were adjusted to bring revenue and expenses for each level of government closer to balance?
A Georgist Approach to Emissions Rights
By Paul Forrester
Climate change is one of the most important problems of our time. One of the most important aspects of this problem is determining who should bear its costs. Climate change is, among other things, a problem of distributive justice.