Australian Society and Politics
You can’t think (or write, or speak) about an economy without also having a sense of the broader social and economic framework in which it operates. I try very hard to avoid partisan political commentary, but I do sometimes feel moved to write or talk about social or political developments.
Interim Report to the ACT Legislative Assembly Select Committee on the Fiscal Sustainability of the ACT
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, The Australian Economy | 2nd March 2026At the beginning of last month Saul was engaged by the Australian Capital Territory’s Legislative Assembly as a Special Advisor to the Select Committee on the Fiscal Sustainability of the ACT, which was established in December last year. Saul’s interim report was presented to the Committee on 27th February. . The Final Report is due […]
The Worst Public Policy Decision of the 21st Century Thus Far – a discussion with the Economics Writer for The West Australian, on ABC Radio National’s “It’s the Economy, Stupid”
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Taxation | 26th February 2026Saul appeared along with the economics writer for _The West Australian_ newspaper, Matt McKenzie, on ABC Radio National’s “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” hosted by Peter Martin AM, to discuss The Worst Public Policy Decision of the 21st Century Thus Far, aka “the WA GST deal” (under which the Federal Government is gifting Australia’s richest state, […]
Opening statement to the Senate Select Committee on the Operation of the Capital Gains Tax Discount
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Housing, Taxation | 25th February 2026Saul was asked to testify to the Senate Select Committee on the Operation of the Capital Gains Tax Discount on 25th February 2026. Below is Saul’s ‘opening statement’ to the Committee.
Submission to the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into The Worst Public Policy Decision of the 21st Century Thus Far (aka “the WA GST deal”).
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, The Australian Economy | 5th January 2026The Productivity Commission has been asked to inquire into what I’ve called The Worst (Australian) Public Policy Decision of the 21st Century Thus Far – namely, the Orwellianly-titled Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Sure Every State and Territory Gets Their Fair Share of GST) Act 2018, legislated by the Morrison Government (with the support of the […]
Inside the WA GST:
The Worst Public Policy of the 21st Century
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, News, Recent Media Interview | 4th November 2025
Saul Eslake talks to the host of ABC Radio National’s Breakfast program, Sally Sara, about the Western Australian Government’s campaign to defend what Saul calls “the Worst Public Policy Decision of the 21st Century Thus Far”, the undermining of the long-standing principles governing the distribution of revenue from the GST to the states and territories at the behest of Australia’s richest state, WA, at a cost to the Federal Budget of $60 billion over eleven years.
Revenue-raising and tax reform
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Taxation, The Australian Economy | 29th October 2025Saul Eslake’s presentation to the Australia Institute’s “Revenue Summit” held at Parliament House, Canberra, on 29th October 2025
Albanese Government’s extension of the 5% deposit scheme
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, Housing, News, Recent Media Interview | 8th October 2025Saul talks to Solstice Media’s 7am podcast, hosted by Daniel James, about the Albanese Government’s extension of the 5% deposit scheme for first home buyers, and why governments of all political persuasions continue to implement policies which serve only to make housing more expensive, despite their professed concerns for the difficulties faced by aspiring first-home buyers.
WA GST deal adds $6bn to federal budget deficit
Australian Society and Politics, Economic Policies, News | 3rd October 2025The Australian also has a good article by Paul Garvey (who, it’s worth noting, is based in Perth) about the WA GST deal on 1st October 2025