Chalmers' super tax will send productivity backwards
All Australians need a conversation about tax. To start, we need to be honest about what drives productivity and what destroys it.
Taxing unrealised gains in superannuation, as proposed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, will not deliver the productivity reform that is desperately needed. It is a backward, distortionary measure that will stifle investment, kill innovation and reduce the very productivity growth he claims to champion.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'We support action': PM backs in US strikes on Iran
The prime minister has backed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while also urging a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. In his first public comments since the US launched strikes on the facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, Anthony Albanese said a larger war must be avoided. "The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "We don't want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy. "Australia called upon Iran to come to the table and abandon any nuclear weapons program. "Iran didn't come to the table, just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations." The comments came after the prime minister convened a National Security Committee meeting in Canberra on Monday. Mr Albanese defended his decision to hold off on directly commenting on the US strikes until more than 24 hours after the American bombing mission. "We aren't a central player in this conflict, that's just a fact, and what we do is we run an orderly, stable government," he said. "This was unilateral action taken by the United States." Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Washington had not made any requests of Australia. But she would not say if the joint US intelligence surveillance base, Pine Gap, in the Northern Territory had played a role in the operation. Senator Wong also said the number of Australians who had registered for help to leave the region had jumped to about 2900 in Iran and 1300 in Israel. Acting opposition foreign spokesman Andrew Hastie said the coalition had wanted to see Iran come to the negotiating table and submit to a full inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We support those strikes, and now we want to see dialogue and diplomacy," he told ABC Radio. "We want to see a peaceful settlement from here, and I'm just not going to speculate on what steps might be taken next." Department of Foreign Affairs staff were evacuated from the embassy in Tehran last week and are helping Australian citizens and residents who make it through Iran's border with Azerbaijan. Senator Wong has previously said that while Australia has deployed Australian Defence Force personnel to assist with evacuation efforts, they aren't there for combat purposes. Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, where about a quarter of the world's oil transits through, prompting fears prices could push to $US100 a barrel or more. Despite questions over whether Australia should do more to support its major ally, former ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos said combat troops weren't the way forward. "There's no way we would put troops on the ground," he told AAP. "I don't think the government or the political establishment here are suggesting that we just follow whatever the US is going to do." Australia has previously provided some resources around shipping lanes, but during the recent outbreak of violence, the government has refused to entertain the possibility of military involvement. However, the American strikes have also been labelled as a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation" with the Greens warning further violence from Israel or the US would impact ordinary Iranian civilians. The prime minister has backed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while also urging a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. In his first public comments since the US launched strikes on the facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, Anthony Albanese said a larger war must be avoided. "The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "We don't want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy. "Australia called upon Iran to come to the table and abandon any nuclear weapons program. "Iran didn't come to the table, just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations." The comments came after the prime minister convened a National Security Committee meeting in Canberra on Monday. Mr Albanese defended his decision to hold off on directly commenting on the US strikes until more than 24 hours after the American bombing mission. "We aren't a central player in this conflict, that's just a fact, and what we do is we run an orderly, stable government," he said. "This was unilateral action taken by the United States." Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Washington had not made any requests of Australia. But she would not say if the joint US intelligence surveillance base, Pine Gap, in the Northern Territory had played a role in the operation. Senator Wong also said the number of Australians who had registered for help to leave the region had jumped to about 2900 in Iran and 1300 in Israel. Acting opposition foreign spokesman Andrew Hastie said the coalition had wanted to see Iran come to the negotiating table and submit to a full inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We support those strikes, and now we want to see dialogue and diplomacy," he told ABC Radio. "We want to see a peaceful settlement from here, and I'm just not going to speculate on what steps might be taken next." Department of Foreign Affairs staff were evacuated from the embassy in Tehran last week and are helping Australian citizens and residents who make it through Iran's border with Azerbaijan. Senator Wong has previously said that while Australia has deployed Australian Defence Force personnel to assist with evacuation efforts, they aren't there for combat purposes. Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, where about a quarter of the world's oil transits through, prompting fears prices could push to $US100 a barrel or more. Despite questions over whether Australia should do more to support its major ally, former ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos said combat troops weren't the way forward. "There's no way we would put troops on the ground," he told AAP. "I don't think the government or the political establishment here are suggesting that we just follow whatever the US is going to do." Australia has previously provided some resources around shipping lanes, but during the recent outbreak of violence, the government has refused to entertain the possibility of military involvement. However, the American strikes have also been labelled as a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation" with the Greens warning further violence from Israel or the US would impact ordinary Iranian civilians. The prime minister has backed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while also urging a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. In his first public comments since the US launched strikes on the facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, Anthony Albanese said a larger war must be avoided. "The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "We don't want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy. "Australia called upon Iran to come to the table and abandon any nuclear weapons program. "Iran didn't come to the table, just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations." The comments came after the prime minister convened a National Security Committee meeting in Canberra on Monday. Mr Albanese defended his decision to hold off on directly commenting on the US strikes until more than 24 hours after the American bombing mission. "We aren't a central player in this conflict, that's just a fact, and what we do is we run an orderly, stable government," he said. "This was unilateral action taken by the United States." Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Washington had not made any requests of Australia. But she would not say if the joint US intelligence surveillance base, Pine Gap, in the Northern Territory had played a role in the operation. Senator Wong also said the number of Australians who had registered for help to leave the region had jumped to about 2900 in Iran and 1300 in Israel. Acting opposition foreign spokesman Andrew Hastie said the coalition had wanted to see Iran come to the negotiating table and submit to a full inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We support those strikes, and now we want to see dialogue and diplomacy," he told ABC Radio. "We want to see a peaceful settlement from here, and I'm just not going to speculate on what steps might be taken next." Department of Foreign Affairs staff were evacuated from the embassy in Tehran last week and are helping Australian citizens and residents who make it through Iran's border with Azerbaijan. Senator Wong has previously said that while Australia has deployed Australian Defence Force personnel to assist with evacuation efforts, they aren't there for combat purposes. Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, where about a quarter of the world's oil transits through, prompting fears prices could push to $US100 a barrel or more. Despite questions over whether Australia should do more to support its major ally, former ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos said combat troops weren't the way forward. "There's no way we would put troops on the ground," he told AAP. "I don't think the government or the political establishment here are suggesting that we just follow whatever the US is going to do." Australia has previously provided some resources around shipping lanes, but during the recent outbreak of violence, the government has refused to entertain the possibility of military involvement. However, the American strikes have also been labelled as a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation" with the Greens warning further violence from Israel or the US would impact ordinary Iranian civilians. The prime minister has backed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, while also urging a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. In his first public comments since the US launched strikes on the facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz, Anthony Albanese said a larger war must be avoided. "The world has long agreed that Iran cannot be allowed to get a nuclear weapon and we support action to prevent that," he told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "We don't want escalation and a full-scale war. We continue to call for dialogue and for diplomacy. "Australia called upon Iran to come to the table and abandon any nuclear weapons program. "Iran didn't come to the table, just as it has repeatedly failed to comply with its international obligations." The comments came after the prime minister convened a National Security Committee meeting in Canberra on Monday. Mr Albanese defended his decision to hold off on directly commenting on the US strikes until more than 24 hours after the American bombing mission. "We aren't a central player in this conflict, that's just a fact, and what we do is we run an orderly, stable government," he said. "This was unilateral action taken by the United States." Earlier, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Washington had not made any requests of Australia. But she would not say if the joint US intelligence surveillance base, Pine Gap, in the Northern Territory had played a role in the operation. Senator Wong also said the number of Australians who had registered for help to leave the region had jumped to about 2900 in Iran and 1300 in Israel. Acting opposition foreign spokesman Andrew Hastie said the coalition had wanted to see Iran come to the negotiating table and submit to a full inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We support those strikes, and now we want to see dialogue and diplomacy," he told ABC Radio. "We want to see a peaceful settlement from here, and I'm just not going to speculate on what steps might be taken next." Department of Foreign Affairs staff were evacuated from the embassy in Tehran last week and are helping Australian citizens and residents who make it through Iran's border with Azerbaijan. Senator Wong has previously said that while Australia has deployed Australian Defence Force personnel to assist with evacuation efforts, they aren't there for combat purposes. Iran's parliament voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, where about a quarter of the world's oil transits through, prompting fears prices could push to $US100 a barrel or more. Despite questions over whether Australia should do more to support its major ally, former ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos said combat troops weren't the way forward. "There's no way we would put troops on the ground," he told AAP. "I don't think the government or the political establishment here are suggesting that we just follow whatever the US is going to do." Australia has previously provided some resources around shipping lanes, but during the recent outbreak of violence, the government has refused to entertain the possibility of military involvement. However, the American strikes have also been labelled as a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation" with the Greens warning further violence from Israel or the US would impact ordinary Iranian civilians.
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
PM Anthony Albanese is questioned on local terror threat level amid US strikes on Iran
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to allay fears about an increase in terror threats in Australia, following the US bombing of nuclear facilities in Iran at the weekend. America's Donald Trump administration confirmed it had completed an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Concern has been mounting the unilateral action could increase the terror threat in western cities, including Australia. Iran threatened the US with 'sleeper cell' attacks if they were attacked, according to NBC. The message was sent to Trump through an intermediary at the G7 in Canada last week, which forced the US president to leave the summit early to deal with the crisis in the Middle East. On Monday, Albanese was asked about the terror threat, which is currently 'probable'. 'Look, we are constantly monitoring (the threat),' Albanese said. 'The ASIO Director-General and our security intelligence agencies are constantly engaged in monitoring. There's been no change in any of the advice that has been issued.' Later in the press conference, Albanese touched on the possibility Aussies could become targets of attacks: 'Obviously we're opposed to any action against Australians or indeed against anyone else.' Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she was looking into reviewing advice for Australians travelling to the Middle East. 'There are always risks not only from escalation in the region but also potential for risk more broadly,' Wong said. 'I indicated publicly this morning that I have asked my department to consider whether there are any ... if there's any alteration to travel advice more generally, which we will obviously make sure is updated.' Albanese was asked a number of questions about the use of Australian military support in the region. He refused to answer if Australia had intelligence in Iran 'imminently' at the point of securing a nuclear weapon, prior to the attacks. 'Well, we don't talk about intelligence matters, but we confirm, of course, that this was a unilateral action by the United States,' Albanese told reporters. Albanese was questioned if his government was briefed by the US, prior to the attack on Iran. Albanese confirmed it was 'unilateral' action by the country. He confirmed he has not spoken to President Donald Trump since the G7 summit. Albanese wrapped-up the press conference by saying Iran still had a significant stake in diplomacy and peace, even after the bombing of its nuclear sites. 'Iran has an interest, an interest very clearly as well,' he said. 'I believe in in ensuring that there is not an escalation in the region. 'That is the incentive that they have. The United States have made clear their position, and we continue to call for dialogue. 'Had Iran complied with the very reasonable requests that were made, including by the IAEA, then circumstances would have been different.'
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Australia Post delivers a price hike to send letters after 'significant losses'
The cost of sending a basic letter is set to rise 20 cents to $1.70 from July 17 after the ACCC decided not to oppose an increase. The consumer watchdog acknowledged Post's "significant losses" in the hundreds of millions from its letter business to tick off a proposed 13.3 per cent increase. The price to send ordinary large letters up to 125g will increase 40 cents to $3.40, and ordinary large letters between 125 and 250 grams will rise 60 cents to $5.10. In the draft price notification, Australia Post said it generated a loss of $361.8 million on its letter business, despite modernisation improvements and the previous price increase of 25 per cent in 2024. ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said they understood the increase would mean extra costs for consumers. "Australia Post's proposed price increase is based on evidence that the costs to Australia Post of providing the letter service are greater than the revenue it produces," Ms Brakey said. It was "crucial" for the postal service to have transparent dialogue with businesses that relied on or were required to send physical mail. There would be no change to the price of concession stamps, $3 for five and stamps for seasonal greeting cards, 65 cents. Ms Brakey said the ACCC was mindful of how the increase would affect vulnerable Australians and they recommended an increase to the annual number of concession stamps per customer from the current 50. Australia Post said letter volumes were now at a level not seen since the 1950s, with household only receiving two letters per week and expected to halve in the next five years. Federal communications minister Anika Wells has 30 days to reject the proposed increase before it takes effect. READ MORE: Dog deterrent spray rolling out to all posties after increasing attacks The cost of sending a basic letter is set to rise 20 cents to $1.70 from July 17 after the ACCC decided not to oppose an increase. The consumer watchdog acknowledged Post's "significant losses" in the hundreds of millions from its letter business to tick off a proposed 13.3 per cent increase. The price to send ordinary large letters up to 125g will increase 40 cents to $3.40, and ordinary large letters between 125 and 250 grams will rise 60 cents to $5.10. In the draft price notification, Australia Post said it generated a loss of $361.8 million on its letter business, despite modernisation improvements and the previous price increase of 25 per cent in 2024. ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said they understood the increase would mean extra costs for consumers. "Australia Post's proposed price increase is based on evidence that the costs to Australia Post of providing the letter service are greater than the revenue it produces," Ms Brakey said. It was "crucial" for the postal service to have transparent dialogue with businesses that relied on or were required to send physical mail. There would be no change to the price of concession stamps, $3 for five and stamps for seasonal greeting cards, 65 cents. Ms Brakey said the ACCC was mindful of how the increase would affect vulnerable Australians and they recommended an increase to the annual number of concession stamps per customer from the current 50. Australia Post said letter volumes were now at a level not seen since the 1950s, with household only receiving two letters per week and expected to halve in the next five years. Federal communications minister Anika Wells has 30 days to reject the proposed increase before it takes effect. READ MORE: Dog deterrent spray rolling out to all posties after increasing attacks The cost of sending a basic letter is set to rise 20 cents to $1.70 from July 17 after the ACCC decided not to oppose an increase. The consumer watchdog acknowledged Post's "significant losses" in the hundreds of millions from its letter business to tick off a proposed 13.3 per cent increase. The price to send ordinary large letters up to 125g will increase 40 cents to $3.40, and ordinary large letters between 125 and 250 grams will rise 60 cents to $5.10. In the draft price notification, Australia Post said it generated a loss of $361.8 million on its letter business, despite modernisation improvements and the previous price increase of 25 per cent in 2024. ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said they understood the increase would mean extra costs for consumers. "Australia Post's proposed price increase is based on evidence that the costs to Australia Post of providing the letter service are greater than the revenue it produces," Ms Brakey said. It was "crucial" for the postal service to have transparent dialogue with businesses that relied on or were required to send physical mail. There would be no change to the price of concession stamps, $3 for five and stamps for seasonal greeting cards, 65 cents. Ms Brakey said the ACCC was mindful of how the increase would affect vulnerable Australians and they recommended an increase to the annual number of concession stamps per customer from the current 50. Australia Post said letter volumes were now at a level not seen since the 1950s, with household only receiving two letters per week and expected to halve in the next five years. Federal communications minister Anika Wells has 30 days to reject the proposed increase before it takes effect. READ MORE: Dog deterrent spray rolling out to all posties after increasing attacks The cost of sending a basic letter is set to rise 20 cents to $1.70 from July 17 after the ACCC decided not to oppose an increase. The consumer watchdog acknowledged Post's "significant losses" in the hundreds of millions from its letter business to tick off a proposed 13.3 per cent increase. The price to send ordinary large letters up to 125g will increase 40 cents to $3.40, and ordinary large letters between 125 and 250 grams will rise 60 cents to $5.10. In the draft price notification, Australia Post said it generated a loss of $361.8 million on its letter business, despite modernisation improvements and the previous price increase of 25 per cent in 2024. ACCC commissioner Anna Brakey said they understood the increase would mean extra costs for consumers. "Australia Post's proposed price increase is based on evidence that the costs to Australia Post of providing the letter service are greater than the revenue it produces," Ms Brakey said. It was "crucial" for the postal service to have transparent dialogue with businesses that relied on or were required to send physical mail. There would be no change to the price of concession stamps, $3 for five and stamps for seasonal greeting cards, 65 cents. Ms Brakey said the ACCC was mindful of how the increase would affect vulnerable Australians and they recommended an increase to the annual number of concession stamps per customer from the current 50. Australia Post said letter volumes were now at a level not seen since the 1950s, with household only receiving two letters per week and expected to halve in the next five years. Federal communications minister Anika Wells has 30 days to reject the proposed increase before it takes effect. READ MORE: Dog deterrent spray rolling out to all posties after increasing attacks
