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Federal
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GST
NSW warns GST system is ‘broken’, wants WA’s sweetheart deal watered down
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey says the GST system is irreparably broken – and it has to be fixed or the entire federation is at stake.
- by Shane Wright
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Best of cartoons, March 20, 2026
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
Australians told to prepare for more petrol pain as war stretches on
Business chiefs are raising worries about a supply shock if the war drags on, leading a top economist to recommend work-from-home directives to reduce demand for oil.
- by Paul Sakkal and Nick Newling
Analysis
Political leadership
The PM is under the pump. This could be as big a political test as COVID
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing a test of his government’s capacity. Business figures say Australians need to know “how real this could get”.
- by Paul Sakkal
‘We will make hard decisions’: Chalmers says expect a tough budget
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the pace at which the economy can grow without inflation pressures has dropped, with the coming budget to reveal a substantial slowdown.
- by Shane Wright and Natassia Chrysanthos
Should tobacconists even exist? Minister poses radical question as illegal cigarette sales soar
“Hitting criminals where it hurts means using every tool: more rapidly taking their profits, cars, cash, houses, boats and toys away,” the Labor assistant minister said.
- by Paul Sakkal and Shane Wright
This will be a reform budget: Chalmers vows change on May 12
Ahead of what is shaping as the government’s most important budget, Jim Chalmers will reveal it will contain three major reform packages.
- by Shane Wright
Best of cartoons, March 19, 2026
The news of the day as interpreted by our talented artists, illustrators and cartoonists.
War could push inflation past 5 per cent, hurt nation for years: Chalmers
The treasurer has released modelling showing the economy could shrink and inflation could scar the nation for years if the war in Iran does not end soon.
- by Paul Sakkal and Shane Wright
Cormann v the rest: Why former finance minister is still backing this $60b blowout
Former Coalition finance minister Mathias Cormann introduced the much-maligned WA GST deal. He still argues it is sound, while almost everyone else calls for it to be abandoned.
- by Shane Wright