Could ditching negative gearing be the bold move Albanese needs?
Sep 26, 2024
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Bridie Jabour, a political commentator specializing in housing policies, joins chief political correspondent Paul Karp to delve into the complexities of negative gearing in Australia. They discuss how this controversial tax incentive could impact future elections, especially after its role in Labor's 2019 defeat. Jabour and Karp explore the government's potential reassessment of housing laws, the intricate dynamic between political parties, and the public's readiness for reform amid rising living costs, making it a hot topic for upcoming electoral strategies.
The Albanese government is reconsidering negative gearing reforms, highlighting the ongoing political debate surrounding housing and taxation in Australia.
Mixed public and political responses to potential reforms underscore the complexities of balancing housing supply concerns with tax changes for investors.
Deep dives
Negative Gearing Revisited
Negative gearing is a contentious issue in Australian politics, significantly affecting property investors' tax liabilities. Recent discussions have emerged surrounding potential reforms as part of a housing bill, with the Albanese government weighing options to limit tax concessions. Despite initial hesitation from the government, indications suggest that some internal discussions have taken place regarding changes to both negative gearing and capital gains tax. This renewed interest highlights the political sensitivity around the issue, especially in light of its role in previous electoral losses for Labor.
Public and Political Reactions
The government's exploration of negative gearing reforms has triggered varied responses from different political factions and the public. Some Labor MPs expressed support for the idea, particularly those in seats competing with the Greens, who have long advocated for changes. Conversely, opposition from the Coalition highlights their strategy of branding the changes as detrimental to homeowners, suggesting that such reforms would lead to increased rent and decreased property values. The mixed reactions from constituents reflect a nuanced debate, where some polls indicate a slim majority in favor of change, while narratives of potential negative impacts are being constructed.
The Complexity of Supply Concerns
One major contention against altering negative gearing is the fear that it could adversely affect housing supply. However, economic analyses suggest that limiting negative gearing to new properties might not harm supply as previously thought. The argument is made that if more homeowners occupy properties instead of rental investors, it could potentially reduce demand for rentals. This implies that properly structured reforms could encourage supply without exacerbating the existing housing crisis, a critical concern for many voters.
Negative gearing, the tax incentive that benefits investors, has become one of the most controversial policies in Australian politics and is widely viewed to have lost Labor the 2019 election. But this week it seemed the prime minister was open to considering change, if only for the briefest of moments.Bridie Jabour speaks to chief political correspondent Paul Karp about why Australia could be gearing up for another election battle over housing
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