The Bearing (Page 2)

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The Bearing

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Blindfolded stack of coins representing hidden costs and trade-offs in tax policy reform

Tax Reform's Hidden Price: What Policymakers Aren't Saying About the Trade-offs

What tax reforms promise to fix housing won't, and who actually pays the price remains unclear.

Government Spending

Why the ABC is paying to advertise itself — and what that tells us about public broadcasting

Why is Australia's public broadcaster spending millions to advertise itself instead of making programs?

Economist using bike pump on wilted potted plant to symbolize struggling growth amid inflation measures

Growth Stalls as Inflation-Fighting Costs Compound

Is business investment enough to prevent an economy weakened by rate hikes from stalling?

Mathematical inequality notation showing x greater than or equal to zero in bold letters

Negative gearing and CGT discounts reshape who can afford property

Who really benefits from Australia's property tax breaks—and what's it costing first-time buyers?

House front door with a large credit card as the door handle instead of a traditional knob.

More-affordable homes, or more affordable homes?

Australia's housing plan sounds good on paper—but can it actually deliver the homes first-time buyers need?

A robot waiter serves a couple dining together at a restaurant table during an intimate dinner.

Higher wages in more industries, but...

Why rising wages might be closing doors for those trying to enter the job market

Tired construction worker pouring concrete on a large building project site

The Jobs Market is Resilient but the Structure Behind it Might Not Be

Australia's job numbers look impressive—but are they hiding a dangerous weakness in how growth is really happening?

Person scratching head while looking at upward trending chart with question mark above it

Business investment is trending well. Why is business investment trending well?

What's really driving Australia's investment boom—and who deserves the credit?

Man in Melbourne cafe holding leaking coffee cup with money dripping from bottom

Tax Reform's Hidden Cost: What Small Business Actually Pays When Government Simplifies

Small businesses chasing tax reform benefits may face hidden compliance costs that larger competitors can easily absorb.

Person holding a $50 bill in one hand and razor blade in the other, cutting a large chunk from the money.

Treasury Announces Tax Cuts: Follow the Money.

Where will Australia's $268 tax cuts actually come from if the budget isn't balanced?

Petrol pump nozzle dispensing money instead of fuel, symbolizing the cost of fuel and energy legislation.

Politics at the Fuel Pump: New Legislation Every Month

Why is Australia spending $400 million a month on fuel relief that might actually be making the problem worse?

Graduate wearing cap while handcuffed to it, symbolizing student debt burden

How Changing HECS Payment Timing Reveals the Real Cost of Student Debt

Which graduates actually benefit from HECS changes—and who gets left behind?

Graph with inflation data and statistics partially obscured by blurred, smudged brush strokes obscuring the numbers

Rate Rise Decision Making: Does the RBA Watch The Wrong Thing?

Why the RBA's inflation fight might be targeting the wrong Australians—and what that could mean for your wallet.