Business
Capital gains tax reform is coming
It is becoming increasingly clear that the federal government will reduce or eliminate the capital gains tax discount in the forthcoming budget, but it is not clear how it intends to do it.
Until 1985, there was no broad-based capital gains tax In Australia and there was a tax avoidance industry of making income look like capital gains, thereby avoiding income tax.
The introduction of a capital gains tax by the Hawke-Keating government put an end to that.
If capital gains are taxed at the same rate as income, there is no point in trying to classify profit as one or the other.
In 1999, the Howard-Costello government introduced a 50 per cent discount to capital gains tax on assets that were held for more than 12 months.
One of the stated objectives of the discount was to encourage investment in the housing market with the aim of making more houses available for renters.
It is not clear whether it ever achieved that purpose. What it did achieve was an increase in the proportion of houses owned by investors and a reduction in the proportion of houses owned by homeowners.
The concept of a capital gains tax discount for long term investments is a good one because it encourages investment over trading. Some countries have a discount which increases each year an investment is held, which is an even better system because it encourages long term investment.
The principal objective of these concessions in other countries is to increase long term investment in companies and thereby strengthen their economies. There is less need for this in Australia because we already have a tax-effective mechanism for investing in companies called superannuation.
In Australia, allowing a capital gains tax discount on residential investment properties has contributed to housing unaffordability. It is not the only factor, but it is a significant factor. If investors and would-be homeowners are competing to purchase properties, it follows that prices will be higher than if investors were not in the market.
Consequently, the capital gains tax discount on investment properties has been criticised by economists and housing advocates, and the government is now considering making changes to it.
If the government wants to raise as much revenue as possible, it will make the measure retrospective so that it applies to both past and future capital gains. It can then use the additional revenue to fund income tax cuts, which will advance its social agenda.
That might be the course it takes. It will be hard on investors, but broadly fair across the tax base.
If the government’s primary objective is to take the strain off the housing market, it should eliminate the discount only for residential properties and leave it in place for other investments, such as shares, businesses and commercial properties. Within this option, it could retain the discount for investment in new apartments because that is a section of the market which is struggling with the costs of land acquisition and construction.
This option would, however, raise less revenue than a complete withdrawal of the discount, but the amount raised would still be substantial.
Then there is the issue of fairness.
A fair system would remove the discount for new property purchases and leave it in place for existing investment properties. No-one would be disadvantaged and it would still achieve the purpose of taking investors out of the market.
This option would, however, raise very little money. The government would only get the extra revenue from houses bought under the new system, there will be fewer people buying investment properties after the discount is removed and the tax won’t be payable until those houses are sold years into the future.
A similar measure, which would raise more revenue, would be the removal of the discount for capital gains which occur after the Budget, regardless of when the property was purchased.
It would not be retrospective and the government would get the extra revenue from all investment property sales going forward.
Each of these options would have a positive effect on housing affordability, but there is a trade-off between fairness and revenue raising.
As the change will be introduced as part of the Budget, it is likely that the Treasurer will opt for a version that raises a substantial amount of revenue. The opportunity to redistribute the increased capital gains tax revenue as income tax cuts will be very tempting.
The Greens and a number of independents appear to be on board with removing or reducing the discount.
The Liberal Party has signalled that it will oppose any reduction in the discount on the basis that it would result in higher taxes. This approach is misconceived in a number of ways.
First, the tax is not being increased, rather a concession is being eliminated. The purpose of tax concessions is to encourage behaviour or to lessen the load on the basis of fairness.
Neither applies to investors in residential housing. The behaviour that is being incentivised is detrimental to home ownership and the investors are not in need of a handout, so they should be taxed at the full tax rate.
Second, the party of Robert Menzies, the champion of homeownership, should take ownership of the problem it created when it introduced the capital gains tax discount and support its removal.
Third, if the tax revenue from the removal of the discount is redistributed through income tax cuts, the Liberals will look very silly if they oppose the package on the basis of being the “low tax party”.
They opposed the government’s income tax cut at the last election and look how that worked out.
Finally, there is the issue of intergenerational equity.
The only segment of society that voted Liberal at the last election was the over 65s. The younger a person is, the less likely they are to vote Liberal.
If the Liberals want to win more votes from the younger generations who are struggling to become homeowners, they need to support every measure that improves housing affordability.
Business
School uniform reuse scheme launches in London
The School Uniform Reuse Network aims to help schools and families reduce waste and save money.
Business
Service stations change pricing mechanisms to avoid volatility
Fuel retailers are setting prices based on the cost to restock, rather than the cost paid for current supplies, according to data collected by the nation’s competition watchdog.
Business
Treasury Yields Hit Session Highs After Fed Decision
The yield on the 2-year Treasury, which often rises and falls with expectations for central-bank policy, was recently around 3.746%, according to Tradeweb, near their level prior to the Fed’s announcement and Chairman Jerome Powell’s news conference.
The yield on the 10-year note recently traded around 4.257%, up from around 4.23% prior to the decision.
Business
6 Business Use Cases For Perforated Metal
Perforated metal has long been valued for its strength, versatility, and clean visual appeal. Created by punching patterns of holes into metal sheets, it offers a practical balance between airflow, light control, and structural support.
Across industries such as architecture, construction, mining, and interior design, perforated metal has become a go-to material for projects that require both function and style.
From industrial screening media to striking architectural façades, modern manufacturing techniques allow businesses to adapt perforated metal to a wide range of applications. Below are six common ways companies use perforated metal in commercial and industrial environments.
Rubber Flip Flow Screens In Quarrying And Mining
In heavy industries like quarrying and mining, screening media plays a major role in material processing. Rubber flip flow screens are a specialised form of screening system that often works alongside perforated metal components to sort and separate materials.
Flip flow screens use flexible rubber panels that vibrate to prevent clogging when handling wet or sticky aggregates. Perforated metal supports or frames can be used within these systems due to their strength and resistance to wear.
This combination offers several advantages:
- Consistent material separation
- Reduced blockages during screening
- Long-term durability in harsh environments
For operations that handle high volumes of raw materials, robust screening systems are essential. Perforated metal provides the stability and support required for reliable processing equipment.
Picture Perf For Architectural Branding
Turning Metal Panels Into Visual Displays
Picture perf, sometimes called perforated imagery, allows designers to transform plain metal sheets into large-scale graphics. The technique uses thousands of precisely placed holes to form images, patterns, or gradients when viewed from a distance.
Businesses often use picture perf panels for building exteriors, car parks, and commercial developments. Logos, landscapes, or custom artwork can be recreated directly into the metal façade.
Because the design is formed through the perforation pattern itself, the result is highly durable and resistant to fading or weather damage.
Combining Function With Creative Design
Picture perf panels also serve practical roles such as ventilation, shade, or screening. This means a building can include branding or artwork without sacrificing airflow or light control.
Materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, and corten steel are commonly used, depending on the visual style and environmental conditions of the project.
Metal Cladding For Modern Building Exteriors
has become increasingly popular in contemporary architecture. It offers an attractive alternative to solid panels while still protecting the structure underneath.
Cladding systems made from perforated metal help regulate sunlight, airflow, and heat. The perforations allow partial visibility and ventilation while still acting as a protective outer layer.
Architects often select materials like stainless steel or corten steel for exterior cladding due to their strength and corrosion resistance. Brass, copper, and bronze can also be used when a more distinctive appearance is required.
Perforated metal cladding is commonly used for:
- Commercial buildings
- Car parks
- Public infrastructure
- Cultural venues
The result is a façade that combines durability with a distinctive, textured appearance.
Interior Fitout And Decorative Panels
Inside buildings, perforated metal sheets offer both decorative and practical benefits. Interior designers often use them in office spaces, retail environments, and public buildings where ventilation and light diffusion are useful.
Applications include partition walls, ceiling panels, and feature screens. The perforation patterns can soften lighting, improve acoustics, and create visual interest within a space.
Metal finishes such as brass, bronze, and copper are especially popular in interior fitout projects because they introduce warmth and character to modern interiors.
Custom perforation patterns also allow designers to create unique decorative metal sheets that complement the wider design scheme.
Sunscreens And Rain Screens For Climate Control
Buildings often need protection from both sunlight and weather exposure. Perforated metal is widely used in sunscreens and rain screens to help manage these challenges.
Solar Shading Systems
Perforated metal sunscreens are installed over windows or façades to reduce direct sunlight. By filtering the amount of light entering the building, they can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce glare.
Unlike solid shading systems, perforated panels still allow outward visibility and natural airflow.
Ventilated Rain Screens
Rain screens act as a secondary layer on a building’s exterior. Perforated metal panels can form part of a ventilated façade system that allows moisture to escape while shielding the inner wall from rain and wind.
This approach is common in large commercial buildings where long-term durability and weather protection are key concerns.
Decorative Metal Sheets For Architectural Detail
Decorative perforated metal sheets are often used to add detail to architectural features. Their strength and customisable patterns make them suitable for both functional and aesthetic elements.
Examples include stair treads, ladder rungs, balcony panels, and flooring systems. In public buildings, perforated steps and walkways provide slip-resistant surfaces while allowing dirt and water to pass through.
Decorative panels can also be used for enclosures, security mesh, and feature walls. When paired with materials such as stainless steel, copper, or corten steel, they create visually striking structures that remain practical for everyday use.
Across many sectors, perforated metal continues to offer businesses a flexible material that meets both structural and design requirements. Whether used in heavy-duty screening media or refined architectural features, it provides a balance of durability, airflow, and visual impact that few other materials can match.
Business
WA fastest growing state in Australia at 2.2pc
Western Australia continues to be the fastest growing state in the country with a population growth rate of more than 2 per cent.
Business
Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b
Australia’s stock market is trading at its weakest level in nine months after the Iran war and the resulting energy shock prompted multiple central banks to brace for higher interest rates.
Business
BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary
BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary
Business
Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says

Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says
Business
Three Flight Attendants Hospitalised After LA-Sydney Flight Hits Severe Turbulence

Delta Air Lines crew members have been taken to the hospital after Delta Flight 41, which departed from Los Angeles, encountered brief but severe turbulence as it was descending into Sydney.
Four flight attendants have sustained injuries, and three of them had to be treated at Royal Prince Alfred.
Delta Flight Attendants Injured Due to Turbulence
According to The Guardian, the plane, an Airbus 350, was carrying 245 passengers and 15 crew members. No passenger had been injured.
Despite the turbulence it encountered, the plane landed safely after 6.40 a.m., and ambulances were called to the airport at around 6:45 a.m.
According to 9News, NSW Ambulance said they assessed five people on the scene before three were taken to the hospital.
Those who have been hospitalised have declined to share their condition to the media. However, The Guardian notes in its report that some of those in the hospitalised sustained injuries to their backs.
Delta Releases Statement
A spokesperson for Delta has assured that the company is focusing on taking care of its crew members that were hurt due to the turbulence.
“Delta flight 41 from Los Angeles encountered brief turbulence upon descent into Sydney, and four flight attendants reported injuries,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our customers, and our priority is taking care of the impacted crew members,” the spokesperson added.
Business
The Handwriting Lab Introduces a Scientific Handwriting Improvement Course to Address Declining Writing Skills
As digital tools continue to dominate communication, concerns around declining handwriting quality among both children and adults are becoming increasingly prominent. The Handwriting Lab has introduced its Handwriting Improvement Course, a structured and scientifically designed program with the aim of improving writing skills through a systematic approach grounded in cognitive science and motor skill development.
Research from institutions such as Princeton University and the University of Washington highlights that handwriting supports deeper cognitive processing, improves memory retention, and strengthens learning outcomes. Despite this, handwriting quality has shown a noticeable decline, creating a need for structured intervention.
Addressing the Limitations of Traditional Methods
Conventional handwriting improvement techniques often rely on repetitive copying, which may not just address underlying issues affecting writing quality. Common challenges observed among learners include irregular letter sizing and spacing, inconsistent slant, poor letter formation, weak pencil grip, hand fatigue, slow writing speed, and lack of confidence in written work.
The Handwriting Lab’s course addresses these foundational challenges by focusing on the process of writing rather than solely on the visual outcome.
A Scientific Framework for Skill Development
This Handwriting Improvement Course is built on principles derived from motor skill development, cognitive science, and educational psychology. This methodology emphasizes structured skill-building and technique refinement.
Key components of the framework include muscle memory training, alphabet grouping based on stroke patterns, hand–eye coordination development, fine motor skill enhancement, and posture and grip correction. This structured approach aligns with research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which indicates that targeted motor training improves writing fluency and accuracy.
A Structured Three-Workbook System
The course is delivered through a three-stage workbook system designed to ensure progressive learning and long-term improvement:
- Foundations of Handwriting: Focuses on strokes, letter formation, spacing, and alignment
- Connecting Letters & Forming Words: Introduces flow, rhythm, and consistency
- Refining and Maintaining Handwriting: Enhances writing speed, neatness, and retention
This structured progression is designed to support sustainable handwriting development rather than temporary improvement.
Designed for Diverse Learners
The Handwriting Improvement Course is intended for a wide range of users, including students preparing for exams, professionals seeking improved handwriting clarity, adults revisiting writing skills, and individuals with long-standing handwriting challenges.
The program is based on the premise that handwriting is a skill that can be developed through the right system and structured practice.
Measurable Outcomes Beyond Writing
Improved handwriting contributes to broader benefits, including increased writing speed and efficiency, improved academic performance, enhanced confidence in written expression, better focus and concentration, and reduced hand fatigue.
Research published by the National Institutes of Health further indicates that handwriting strengthens neural pathways associated with learning and memory.
Growing Adoption Across India
The Handwriting Lab reports that more than 11,000 users have benefited from the program, contributing to its recognition as a widely trusted handwriting improvement solution in India.
Feedback from users highlights improvements in handwriting quality, structure, and confidence, while educators have recommended the course for its systematic and practical methodology.
Flexible and Accessible Learning Model
The course is designed to accommodate modern learning preferences, offering flexibility and accessibility without reliance on classroom-based instruction. Learners can progress at their own pace, and the program is suitable for all age groups. The course materials are delivered across India via postal service and are structured for independent practice.
Course Offerings
The Handwriting Lab provides handwriting improvement courses in multiple languages, including:
- English
- Malayalam
- Hindi
- Tamil
Supporting Long-Term Skill Development
The Handwriting Improvement Course focuses not only on enhancing writing quality but also on building confidence and consistency. By addressing foundational techniques and integrating structured practice, the program aims to support long-term handwriting improvement across diverse learner groups.
For more information, visit:
https://thehandwritinglab.com/
Disclaimer –
This article is a work of original content created for public relations and informational purposes only. It may be published across multiple digital platforms with the full knowledge and consent of the author/publisher. All images, logos, and referenced names are the property of their respective owners and used here solely for illustrative or informational purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of this article without prior written permission from the original publisher is strictly prohibited. Any resemblance to other content is purely coincidental or used under fair use policy with proper attribution.
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