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Rodney Brown

Labor had no choice on stage 3 tax cuts

Realistically, the Government had to amend the stage 3 tax cuts. The current state of the economy is far different from when the Coalition tabled the tax cuts in 2019, which provided impetus for the changes.

Prepare for the shifting sands in personal taxation

The Government is preparing the ground for changes relating to both superannuation and personal taxation. The tax amendments in the coming Budget may be modest but several critical areas face greater scrutiny.

Taxing the ‘rich’: the potential tax consequences of inequality

At some point, politicians will debate how to reduce the national debt and implement measures aimed at simultaneously easing budget pressures while reducing the gap between rich and poor. Investors should be ready.

Brace yourself for (bad) tax and super news

The previous austerity of the Coalition Government has been tossed aside to deal with COVID-19, but at some point, debt will be repaid. Are policies once considered off-the-table now a target?

Franking policy may increase corporate tax avoidance

The results of three studies suggest that companies undertake less tax avoidance due to franking credit refundability. It gives an incentive to pay corporate tax and franked dividends to satisfy Australian shareholders.

How SMSFs can utilise franking credits under Labor

Labor's proposal on franking credits is not only facing considerable opposition, but it is also encouraging people to consider future ways to utilise the credits. It is a chance to think deeper about estate planning.

Latest Updates

Retirement

2 billion reasons to fix retirement income

A proposal to address Australia's 'stranded balances' in retirement by requiring super funds to transition members to pension phase at 65, boosting retirement income and reframing super as a source of income.

Investment strategies

Not much alpha left in this bet

Google redefined advertising with its innovative business model, but its dominance is now under siege from AI competitors and shifting market dynamics.

Five simple reasons why Australian cash rates are highest

Australians are suffering the highest cash rates amongst their rich country peers for five simple reasons, including outdated inflation targeting and undisciplined monetary and fiscal policies.

Investment strategies

Spending big on AI: So where’s the proof it’s working?

Business leaders must reassess AI's return on investment using new frameworks that reflect productivity, capability shifts and long-term value creation.

Economy

Double down on renewables?

Global volatility has sharpened Australia's focus on energy security. Calls for domestic fuel production clash with renewable energy goals, sparking a debate on balancing traditional and sustainable energy sources effectively.

Investment strategies

Private Credit headwinds move onshore

It’s been a volatile couple of months in markets with the ongoing conflict in Iran. For Australian private credit investors, however, large exposures to real estate lending could mean the worst is yet to come.

Property

Five reasons unlisted commercial property is an attractive allocation in uncertain times

Cromwell takes a look at replacement cost as a practical lens on relative value in commercial property. When build-new costs rise faster than asset pricing, the gap can create opportunities in well-located existing assets.

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