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21 May 2025
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The assumption that being a member of a large pooled fund will protect franking credit refunds, and the lack of concern about the impact of Labor's capital gains tax change, both require greater scrutiny.
Labor thinks disallowing excess franking will generate billions of dollars of additional revenues, but there is growing evidence that behaviour changes will severely limit the amount raised.
An edited extract from the Cuffelinks Facebook page shows how widespread the debate on Labor's franking has become, and the majority of people need a simple, logical explanation on how franking actually works.
Tim Wilson MP, Chair of the House Standing Committee on Economics inquiry into refundable franking credits, has asked Cuffelinks readers to make submissions.
Labor has foreshadowed significant amendments to a wide range of financial policies, and while the new PM has time to make up lost ground, Labor is favourite to win the next federal election.
Cuffelinks has published 15 articles related to Labor's proposed franking policy. In this compendium, each article is summarised and linked to, plus a 'sample letter' to his local member from an aggrieved retiree.
A reader of Cuffelinks sent an email to the Shadow Treasurer complaining about the future loss of franking credit refunds. Here is Chris Bowen's response and a firm stance on the policy.
Labor’s rhetoric of taxing the rich and standing up for women doesn’t match the facts. Their proposed imputation policy, if implemented, will raise little revenue and hurt low- and middle-income widows the most.
A reader asks whether people can stay off the age pension by reducing the amount of money they live on in retirement but not drawing on their capital.
Labor's proposed franking credit policy has already faced a number of unintended consequences, and the inequitable tax treatment of Listed Investment Companies much also be addressed.
The current system is fundamentally fair as domestic shareholders pay tax on fully franked dividends at their own tax rate. This is what imputation should achieve and why we need franking credits refunded.
The Labor proposal to eliminate refunds of excess franking credits will have a significant impact on many retirees who hold Australian shares paying fully franked dividends.
Labor has announced a $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, aimed at slashing the cost of home batteries. The goal is to turbocharge battery uptake, though practical difficulties may prevent that happening.
The famed investor says the rapid switch from globalisation to trade wars is the biggest upheaval in the investing environment since World War Two. And a new world requires a different investment approach.
The boss of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, UniSuper’s John Pearce, says Trump has declared an economic war and he’ll be reducing his US stock exposure over time. Should you follow suit?
Every crisis throws up opportunities. Here are ideas to capitalise on this one, including ‘overbalancing’ your portfolio in stocks, buying heavily discounted LICs, and cherry picking bombed out sectors like oil and gas.
While many chase high yields, true investment power lies in companies that steadily grow dividends. This strategy, rooted in patience and discipline, quietly compounds wealth and anchors investors through market turbulence.
Behind market volatility and tariff threats lies a deeper strategy. Trump’s real goal isn’t trade reform but managing America's massive debts, preserving bond market confidence, and preparing for potential QE.