Selected publication
Research theme
Fiscal Progressivity
Measuring the effective progressivity of Australia's combined tax-and-transfer system across income, wealth, age, and household structure.
Research focus
Mapping the true progressivity of Australia's fiscal system
Measuring the effective progressivity of Australia's combined tax-and-transfer system across income, wealth, age, and household structure.
The lab measures progressivity by looking at the combined tax-and-transfer system rather than statutory tax schedules in isolation. Administrative records and household data are used to trace effective marginal tax rates across households, ages, and family structures.
This work helps quantify the equity-efficiency trade-offs involved in making the fiscal system more or less progressive. It also shows how taxes, Medicare levies, and transfer withdrawal rules interact over time and across different types of households.
Key question
How progressive is Australia's combined tax-and-transfer system, and how has this changed over time?
Key question
How do effective marginal tax rates differ across income levels, demographics, and family structures?
Key question
What are the equity-efficiency trade-offs of increasing or decreasing fiscal progressivity?
Selected publications
Research linked to this theme
This shortlist reflects the publications currently referenced in the existing site materials for this topic.
Selected publication
Optimal Size and Composition of Government Spending in Open Economies
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