After extended debate and staff modeling, the board adopted new tier ratios for rate-setting and approved a compromise package of subsidy adjustments that reduces spouse and retiree-dependent subsidies while keeping employee-only subsidy intact.

The article discusses the Albanese Government's focus on aiding young homebuyers through the Budget, despite rising interest rates and economic pressures. It highlights warnings from economist Martin Parkinson about unsustainable fiscal policies, emphasizing the long-term burden on future generations. Parkinson warns that persistent deficits and rising government debt could lead to a fiscal crisis, with an ageing population exacerbating the issue. The piece critiques the lack of focus on fiscal sustainability post-COVID, stressing the need for structural surpluses to avoid intergenerational inequity. It underscores the risks of current spending habits, suggesting that today's consumption will impose higher tax burdens on children. The article calls for urgent policy changes to address these challenges and prevent a looming economic crisis.

Social justice, Digital Equity, Poverty, Accessible Technology, Marginalized communities, Pacific, COFA, Veterans, Low-Income, Affordable housing

The 2026 federal budget has sparked debate over changes to capital gains, negative gearing, and trust taxation. These policies, historically favouring older, asset-rich Australians, have been modestly adjusted by the Labor government to reduce intergenerational inequity. Conservative commentators and boomer-oriented media have framed these reforms as harmful to younger Australians, despite the adjustments being designed to make property investment fairer. Rachel Withers criticises this narrative, calling it an attempt by older, wealthy investors to persuade younger, asset-poor Australians that preserving existing property perks is in their interest. The article argues that the so-called 'harm' to young people is largely overstated and that these reforms represent a step towards balancing wealth distribution between generations. By addressing preferential treatment for certain investment structures and reducing loopholes, the budget seeks to ensure that property ownership and taxation are more equitable, rather than privileging the older, established population. The debate highlights the tension between maintaining traditional investment advantages and pursuing broader fairness across generations.

The 2026 Australian federal budget has sparked criticism for its limited impact on workers and intergenerational fairness. Despite a strong majority government and an opposition facing internal challenges, the budget delivers only a small increase of $5 per week for workers, a move that economists argue is insufficient to address broader equity issues. According to economics professor Richard Holden, the budget is a mix of reform and regression, offering some structural changes but falling short of meaningful, long-term solutions. While the government highlights certain savings and expenditure adjustments, Holden notes that the overall impact on intergenerational equity is negligible. The budget reflects a tension between ambition and caution: it attempts to implement reforms but avoids bold measures that could create substantial economic change. Critics suggest that, with no election on the horizon and substantial parliamentary control, there was an opportunity for more decisive action to benefit workers and younger generations. The article underscores the disconnect between political opportunity and policy outcome, painting a picture of cautious governance rather than transformative economic leadership.

The 2026 Australian federal budget has sparked criticism for its limited impact on workers and intergenerational fairness. Despite a strong majority government and an opposition facing internal challenges, the budget delivers only a small increase of $5 per week for workers, a move that economists argue is insufficient to address broader equity issues. According to economics professor Richard Holden, the budget is a mix of reform and regression, offering some structural changes but falling short of meaningful, long-term solutions. While the government highlights certain savings and expenditure adjustments, Holden notes that the overall impact on intergenerational equity is negligible. The budget reflects a tension between ambition and caution: it attempts to implement reforms but avoids bold measures that could create substantial economic change. Critics suggest that, with no election on the horizon and substantial parliamentary control, there was an opportunity for more decisive action to benefit workers and younger generations. The article underscores the disconnect between political opportunity and policy outcome, painting a picture of cautious governance rather than transformative economic leadership.

Introduction by Croakey: As catastrophic fires devastate lives, property and the environment in Los Angeles, many of us are contemplating

Committee proposes constitutional changes to protect Alaska's permanent fund for future generations.

Biggest Net Zero Conference for a Brighter Tomorrow.

Biggest Net Zero Conference and the UK's Official National Awareness Week. Deep-dive webinars with net zero leaders.