The urgent need for Tax Reform in Australia in the COVID-19 World

Tristram Sainsbury () and Robert Breunig ()
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Tristram Sainsbury: Australian National University

Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), 2020, vol. 23, issue 2, 211-229

Abstract: The economic shock and government response to COVID-19 highlight weaknesses in Australia’s tax system. COVID-19 puts pressure on a system under strain from long-term structural forces and the tax-free and tax-reduced status of certain sources of income. Returning to a sound structural budget position cannot be accomplished through passive action that relies on ‘natural’ revenue growth from current tax sources. Discussions should focus on comprehensive reform. Reducing reliance on income (particularly labour) taxes and applying a more equal tax treatment to different individuals and income sources over time are priorities which will support improved well-being and labour market activity.

JEL-codes: H20 H21 H24 J08 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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