Robert Breunig

Professor of Economics and Director, Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

Robert's recent articles

By avoiding means testing, the government is giving handouts to the rich

By avoiding means testing, the government is giving handouts to the rich

Australia’s highly targeted tax and transfer system is being eroded by a shift toward universal benefits – redirecting support away from those who need it most.

Taking from the young, giving to the old: How our tax system is letting us down

Taking from the young, giving to the old: How our tax system is letting us down

Australians are retiring with unprecedented levels of wealth. This wealth, which is primarily held in housing, investment properties and superannuation, allows retirees to draw incomes to support their retirement.

Changing mindsets: From wealth creation to delivering retirement incomes

Changing mindsets: From wealth creation to delivering retirement incomes

Australia’s superannuation system is based upon defined contributions, largely because that avoids the main weakness of many overseas systems based on defined benefits of rising costs for future generations.