The halving of Australia’s fuel excise as part of last month’s Budget will save consumers 22 cents per litre at the bowser for the next six months, but the simultaneous scrapping of the 18 cents per litre fuel tax rebate on diesel is seriously impacting the trucking industry, with potential knock-on effects for consumers. With…

The most striking feature of Tuesday’s 2022-23 federal budget is how well the Australian economy is performing. Whereas two years ago we were facing a catastrophe, the outlook now is rosy and enviable. We have passed out of the pandemic storm into calm waters very quickly. The unemployment rate is heading below four percent—its lowest…

Ten million Australians will receive a one-off $420 (US$315) tax offset to assist with the ballooning cost of living, while six million welfare recipients will get a $250 cash payment in the 2022-23 federal budget. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled the details of the anticipated “temporary, targeted, and responsible” cost of living relief package on Tuesday…

As surging petrol prices eat into household budgets, politicians have been trying to demonstrate their empathy with ordinary Australians with Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg signalling that this month’s budget will contain targeted assistance to ease the cost of living pressures. What this means is not clear. However, one widely discussed possibility is a cut in…