07:10:00 05/11/2015
Tax reform must focus on how to bolster incentives to invest and grow: Productivity Commission chair
At a two-day Economic and Social Outlook conference in Melbourne, starting today, the country's leading politicians and policy makers will discuss economic reform, including changes to the tax system, competition policy and innovation. The chairman of the Productivity Commission, Peter Harris, told AM that politicians of both sides are paying attention to the issues facing Australia, including slowing income growth and how to boost investments.
06:05:00 05/11/2015
ACOSS: Lowest income earners hit by GST rise
New modelling commissioned by the Australian Council of Social Service confirms low income earners would be hardest hit by a GST increase, and the disparity would get worse if the extra revenue was used to give all wage earners a five percent income tax cut. ACOSS says the Government should release its own modelling of different tax reform scenarios to help the public debate.
06:05:00 05/11/2015
A bomb may have caused the Russian plane crash in Egypt, Britain says
Britain says it fears the Russian plane that crashed over Egypt last week may been brought down by a bomb. Militants from the Islamic State group have claimed responsibility for the attack but their failure to provide any detail has left many experts sceptical of the claim. Flights from the UK to the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el Sheik have been suspended until aviation specialists can assess the security arrangements at the airport.
06:05:00 05/11/2015
UK Govt introduces massive overhaul of surveillance powers
The British government has introduced the biggest overhaul of its surveillance powers in 15 years. Internet companies will be required to hold onto the browsing history of customers for up to a year, reinforcing the power of spy agencies to bulk collect communications data. The government is adamant there will be proper oversight but civil liberties groups warn it goes too far.
06:05:00 05/11/2015
Toowoomba residents to address rising motorhome numbers
Self drive motor homes are a booming tourism industry. More than half a million Australians own a campervan or caravan and some communities are trying to keep up with demand for facilities for travellers. Residents in the regional city of Toowoomba will meet today to talk about the growing number of visitors.