This report is the first in a new five year partnership between the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to reduce poverty and inequality in Australia.

The report was prepared before the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent announcement of a six-month payment that effectively doubles the rate of the JobSeeker Allowance (Newstart) and Youth Allowance. Nonetheless, the report provides important insights that could be applied by government to effectively reduce long-term unemployment in the lead up to Australia's recovery from the...

Tax reform can no longer be avoided. Tax reform is essential to help resolve the serious Budget pressures facing federal and state governments which threaten essential benefits and services. We need it to underpin growth - in investment, living standards and jobs - at a time of major structural and technological change in Australia and...

While the 2015-16 Budget delivered welcome new investment in early childhood education and care and charted a fairer path on pension reform, the combined effect of the two budgets is to leave people on low incomes to once again bear the burden of Budget restraint.

Calls for action to restrict tax deductions for negatively geared property investments and the 50% discount on Capital Gains Tax, that are together costing the Budget $7 billion a year and fuelling housing price booms. SummaryA vital goal for tax reform is to improve the affordability of housing. Australia has among the most expensive housing...