Sector thinkers push for tax shakeup

The summit, taking place on February 20–21, is hosted by progressive think tank Per Capita, and sponsored by Our Community, the parent enterprise of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA), alongside a range of other social sector organisations and charitable foundations.

Speaking ahead of the gathering at the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Per Capita executive director Emma Dawson said, “There is broad agreement among economists, social security experts, business leaders and the community sector that Australia’s tax and transfer system needs structural reform: to lift productivity, realise the benefits of a net zero economy, fund the essential social services and infrastructure upon which we all rely, and reduce inequality within and between generations.”

Among the keynote speakers are:

• Dr Ken Henry, former Treasury secretary

• Dr Katherine Trebeck, UK-based political economist and advocate for change

• Prof Miranda Stewart, Melbourne University tax law expert

The event will also feature leaders from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), Anglicare, Oxfam, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, the Uniting Church, Prosper Australia, and the Tax Justice Network. Prominent economic commentators such as Saul Eslake and Alan Kohler will also take part in the discussions.

Dawson noted that before he delivered his first budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers flagged the need for a “big conversation” about economic reform.

Since then, Dawson said, there had been little progress, and with the federal election on the horizon, Per Capita and its partners would “demonstrate that the community has the appetite for this ‘big conversation’, and show that a genuine, everything-on-the-table approach to tax and transfer reform is both needed and wanted in the next term of Parliament.”

Alongside the keynote addresses, 10 panel discussions will examine many dimensions of tax reform:

• wealth, income and opportunity inequality

• housing

• social infrastructure, care and services

• reforming the tax base

• welfare and social assistance

• lived experience

• climate, transition, regional development and community wellbeing

• international tax

• the path to reforms.

Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said the summit could not come at a better time.

“A fair tax system is vital to a just society. Anglicare Australia wants to promote an inclusive debate about how our tax system can make our country fairer while funding the services we all need, from health and housing to aged care and disability support. This summit is an opportunity to have that debate and build support for the solutions we know will work.”

The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) is attending the event, and will publish further news, findings and recommendations in coming weeks.

More information

Community Tax Summit 2025