5+ day, 4+ hour ago   (979+ words) The proposal sounds appealing but is deeply flawed. Australia’s high tobacco tax undeniably makes untaxed sales profitable. Yet this incentive is not by itself a cause. Whether a tax creates a thriving illicit market depends on the strength of the…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago   (981+ words) Treasurer Jim Chalmers would have sighed with relief at this week’s economic growth figures. Despite some preview talk of possible stagnation, we saw modest growth of 2.1% in the year to the end of June. But every economic number these days…...

1+ week, 3+ day ago   (974+ words) Australia’s economy expanded by 0.4% in the June quarter, with spending growth driven by record sales of imported electric vehicles. For the year to June, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.1%, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, slightly stronger than…...

1+ week, 5+ day ago   (792+ words) Attracting entrepreneurs to New Zealand sounds like a good idea. The country needs innovation, economic growth, greater productivity and more jobs. Turns out, it’s not that simple. In August last year, the government closed the Entrepreneur Work Visa to new…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago   (652+ words) If it feels like you’re sliding backwards as the cost of living rises, you’re probably right. Recent Stats NZ data shows that in the year to June, New Zealand salary and wage rates grew by just 2%, less than half the…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (560+ words) A 75% cut in tobacco tax won’t make cigarettes as cheap as you might think. Here’s what really helps smokers in a cost of living crisis....