The Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable took place in Canberra from 19 to 21 August, bringing together leaders from across the country to explore reforms that could shape Australia’s future living standards.

In advance of the roundtable, the St Vincent de Paul Society lodged a submission based on the ANU study A Fairer Tax and Welfare System 2025, which we commissioned earlier this year. Our submission highlighted what our Members see every day: that inadequate income support and an unfair tax system are driving too many people into poverty, housing stress and financial insecurity.

We called for reforms that lift people out of poverty in ways that are fair, affordable and sustainable. The ANU modelling demonstrates that small, carefully targeted tax changes to those with the greatest capacity to contribute could fund stronger social security without worsening the budget position. By contrast, increasing the GST would hit people on the lowest incomes hardest and widen inequality.

At the heart of our advocacy is a simple principle: economic reform must serve the common good and ensure no one is left behind. Alongside partners such as ACOSS, we will continue to press for a stronger safety net, adequate income support, and fairer tax settings as essential foundations of a more just and compassionate Australia.

Visit vinnies.org.au to read A Fairer Tax and Welfare System 2025 and related resources.

Mirielle Augustin is a final year student at the ANU, working with the Policy & Advocacy team at the Society’s National Council Secretariate.