Joint Select Committee on Australia's Family Law System. The Family Law system affects women and men in different ways; it is not gender neutral. This submission responds to the terms of reference through a gender lens.
Women are the beneficiaries of a progressive and redistributive taxation system. Taxation data shows that women are underrepresented in the highest income tax brackets and overrepresented in the lowest income tax brackets. Women are also the beneficiaries of increased spending on income support payments and social services. Unsustainable tax cuts hit publicly funded services, with the potential to reduce jobs.
The housing market is distorted by tax concessions for landlords that drive up house prices for first home buyers and renters. Commodifying residential property can limit the availability of housing, which is a basic human need. The current concessions in the tax system have commodified the provision of housing, creating a speculative market from a basic human need for shelter.
Media statements (Media Release 19 March 2019) and the report of the Inquiry into Franking Credits (Standing Committee on Economics, 2019 p16 ) have expressed the view that refundable franking credits benefit women more than men. With respect, we do not agree with this assessment. • Security in retirement, particularly financial security, is a matter that concerns many women.
The changes to taxation in 2017-18 Budget will impact Australian women according to new analysis released by the National Foundation of Australian Women (NFAW).
In Australia there are three pillars for retirement incomes – income support, superannuation and individual savings. This section addresses women and income support in the retirement incomes system.
NFAW and the Equality Rights Alliance submit that tax reform must be examined through a gendered lens to identify any impact that reform may have on women. Specifically, the economic impact on women are often the result of gender blindness that does not recognise the different effect that policies have on women because of the circumstances of women’s lives.
In recent consultations with women throughout Australia, women identified a range of issues as relevant in determining the extent to which they are able to engage in the work force.
NFAW believes the process of Reform of Australia’s Future Tax System, and the October 2011 Tax Forum are a key opportunities to introduce changes which will enhance gender equality in the work-place, together with the promotion of greater fiscal vertical equity.
