Editors' Picks — 19th April 2015
This week in Editors’ Picks we take a look at why a land tax might be the solution to the tax reform, the reasons for the plummeting price of iron, why it is a societal problem when the brightest students pursue jobs in finance, how the ATO is reaching out to younger generations, and whether the costs of university are really worth it.
Land tax often overlooked in the tax debate — Jessica Irvine
As fierce debates about tax reforms persist, are we missing an obvious tax – Land tax? Irvine explores how land tax is an efficient alternative that could help first-home buyers, provide significant economic gains and tackle wealth inequality. With ACT now committed to the reform should other states follow suit?
Iron Ore’s Meltdown Raises Questions About Miners — Scott Patterson and Alex MacDonald
The price of Australia’s biggest export iron ore is plummeting and having large effects on the Australian dollar and job market. With demand for iron in China weakening, find out why the biggest producers of iron continue to drive the price down by producing an oversupply of iron.
Why a Harvard Professor Has Mixed Feelings When Students Take Jobs in Finance — Sendhil Mullainathan
The allure of finance draws in hordes of Harvard graduates every year, but is this monopoly on the best and brightest students really the ideal use of talent? Sendhil Mullainathan exposes the issue of neglecting careers that create wealth for society, and provides insight into the troubling trends among new generations of students.
The Australian Tax Office calls in Buzzfeed — Phillip Thompson
The ATO is working with Buzzfeed for 18 incredible reasons that will simply blow your mind! Actually the true motivation behind this unlikely pairing is singular; push forward messages on the subject of superannuation to reach the young Australian demographic. Will it be enough?
The world is going to university — The Economist
More and more money is being spent on higher education. Too little is known about whether it is worth it. The Economist weighs the costs and benefits of the American higher education model, exposing flaws that may undermine the system.