Ben Phillips

Economic modelling is difficult but that’s little different to other social sciences or even the ‘hard’ sciences. harsh here from Ross. Yes there are charlatans out there but not all and often not the actual modellers. Modelling often more about the process than the estimates.

With fewer home building regulations the main impact would be?

Australia’s tax and welfare systems urgently need reform and now’s your chance to be part of the conversation. The Society is calling for changes to reduce poverty and ease the pressure on low and middle-income households. We stand firmly against any expansion of the GST, a tax…

Should the family home be included in the age pension asset test*? *already is to a limited extent.

As a result of this decision there is no way to know whether home ownership or renting have increased or declined since August 2021. And we won't have new data until October 2027. Amazing that policy is flying blind on housing tenure share amidst a 'housing crisis'.

The most surprising result in the Vinnies paper is that 18-29 year old financial stress (HILDA) has dropped more than any other age cohort this century

The relative poverty line after-housing costs is around $480pw. A JobSeeker paying $250pw (cheap!) for rent has an income about 50% of that poverty line ($246pw including rent assistance). theguardian.com/australia-news…

Our new report with @VinniesAust ‘A Fairer Tax and Welfare System’. Poverty down by up to 1m people with boosted working age welfare payments funded through higher super tax or tighter means testing on hi income/wealth pensioners and childcare families cms.vinnies.org.au/media/adsjxwg5…