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The article discusses the recent High Court decision in Vanderstock v Victoria, where a 4:3 majority ruled the Victorian electric vehicle (EV) road user charge unconstitutional. Topics include the invalidated EV charge, the redefined concept of excise, and the broader implications for state taxes, potentially affecting areas like motor vehicle duties, registration charges, and climate-related regulations, marking a significant shift in federal-state fiscal balance.

This chapter of the Case for Change paper considers the fundamental design of the superannuation system, and the best reform options to our tax system to: (1) support a sustainable superannuation and retirement system; (2) reduce unnecessary complexity and ensure greater consistency in the various superannuation caps and thresholds; and (3) encourage improved compliance by employers with the mandatory superannuation guarantee regime. There are a number of aspects of Australia's superannuation system which are inefficient and complex. Many of these issues are interrelated. Even parliamentary committees have observed that the tax treatment is complex: contributions, earnings and benefits are partially taxed and partially deductible, the result of a pragmatic attempt to reduce tax expenditures, especially those benefiting higher-income individuals, while encouraging compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on streamlining the tax system for individuals.

The article discusses the main objectives of The Tax Institute has to advocate for improvements to the tax system. Topics include the release of The case for change has the basis for continuing to pursue the cause of genuine tax reform for the benefit of Australia; and Australia has a comparatively high reliance on corporate taxes compared to other jurisdictions.

Value-added tax (VAT) has become the dominant form of consumption tax around the world. This article examines the development of the tax from its early years to the present day in the context of developed, transitioning and developing economies. Empirical examples of the tax's implementation in various countries are also drawn on and ultimately the degree to which VAT provides the "perfect solution" to the taxation of consumption assessed. While the inherent complexity surrounding tax systems around the world means that there will never be absolute agreement on what is an entirely "perfect" consumption tax, there must be good reasons why VAT has enjoyed such widespread acceptance and can therefore be considered as the perfect solution to the taxation of consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the federal tax developments in Australia. Topics discussed include the implementation of draft legislation for the proposed budget that allow the small business to change their legal structure without capital gain tax (CGT), the public expenditure incurred on mining and petroleum exploration and the compensation scheme of the taxpayer.

The article offers information on need to look at trade-offs discussed at Tax Institute's recent federal Budget 2020-21 submission. Topics discussed include information on needs for government to look at where trade-offs in the Australian tax base to ensure that Australia has the requisite tax system; Australia's current tax mix which Australia's current tax mix which relies heavily on income tax bases; and need for single corporate tax rate in Australia.