Does Feeding the People Mean Killing the Golden Egg-Laying Goose?

Does Feeding the People Mean Killing the Golden Egg‑Laying Goose? A conversation on Capital Gains Tax discounts and the watering down of negative gearing

Australia’s housing and tax settings sit at the centre of an increasingly heated public debate. Policies designed decades ago to encourage investment are now being questioned for their role in rising inequality, housing affordability pressures, and constrained government revenue.

In this thought‑provoking talk, Joffre Balce, Secretary of the Association for Good Government, explores a critical question:

Can Australia proposed reforms Capital Gains Tax discounts and negative gearing to better “feed the people” without undermining the investment incentives that underpin economic growth?

The session will examine:
•How Capital Gains Tax discounts and negative gearing work in practice
•Who benefits most from current settings — and who bears the costs
•Common claims about investment flight and reduced housing supply
•Whether reform necessarily risks “killing the golden goose”, or if smarter design can strengthen both fairness and productivity

This talk is designed to cut through slogans and fear‑based arguments, offering a clear, evidence‑informed framework for thinking about tax reform in the public interest.

Who should attend
•Anyone interested in housing affordability and tax reform
•Policy watchers, economists, and engaged citizens
•People seeking a balanced, plain‑English discussion of a complex issue
Expect a rigorous presentation followed by an open discussion and Q&A.