Canberra public hearing to conclude franking credits inquiry

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics will hold its final public hearing in Canberra on Tuesday March 26, 2019 for its inquiry into the implications of removing refundable franking credits.

The chair of the committee, Tim Wilson MP, said, "The committee continues to gather evidence about how the removal of refundable franking credits would affect investors, particularly senior Australians whose financial security could be compromised."

Appearing at the hearing, the Self-managed Independent Superannuation Fund Association has called the ALP’s proposal regressive and inequitable, stating that it "goes against the progressive nature of the income tax system". 

Associate Professor Geoff Warren, who will also appear at the hearing, has said the proposal may cause adverse effects by "singling out a particular group within the context of a broader policy agenda".

The Australia Institute and Industry Super Australia will also give evidence at the hearing. The Australia Institute argues the proposal will mainly affect wealthy Australians and "could save the government around $35 billion per annum by the end of the forward estimates".

Similarly, Industry Super Australia argued "the vast majority of retirees will be unaffected by the proposal and the wealthy are the beneficiaries of most of the refunds of franking credit for non-pensioners".

Mr Wilson said, "The hearing will also provide an opportunity for Australians impacted by a change to refundable franking credits to address the committee directly with a three minute statement, and we welcome their contributions and participation."

Public hearing details:

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 1pm–4.40pm
Venue: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra

Program

1.00pm The Australia Institute
1.30pm Associate Professor Geoff Warren, Australian National University
2.00pm Self-managed Independent Superannuation Fund Association
2.30pm Break
2.40pm Industry Super Australia
3.10pm 3 minute public statements
4.40pm Finish

The hearing will be webcast live.

A number of submissions have been received and are available on the committee’s webpage at: www.aph.gov.au/economics. Further submissions are currently being processed and will be published over the coming weeks. Submissions can still be made online or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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