Commonwealth-state

The Victorian opposition wants four department heads, including the head of the public service, investigated by the state corruption watchdog over their roles in authorising

ANZSOG chief executive Professor Ken Smith on Commonwealth-state relations: “Forget the turf wars and protection of revenue streams. We need more focus on outcomes, not squabbling over inputs.”

Abolishing the states is a popular pipe dream with high-profile backers. But it would be an unworkable step backwards, argues economist John Quiggin.

A Coalition minority government is a possibility. It seems more likely to court independent Cathy McGowan than the Nick Xenophon Team, in which case a bureaucracy-busting ‘cross-border commissioner’ could well be on the table.

A proposal to give income tax power back to the states has emerged from a flurry of confused announcements and commentary, ahead of tomorrow’s COAG summit. PM wants states to face tax accountability.

The late Dr John Bannon AO gave a humourous and insightful talk explaining the need for federation reform to a public sector audience in October.