Three problems with the EU's €13 billion ruling on Apple's Irish taxes

Aug 31, 2016 10:52 am UTC| Insights & Views Law

The EUs ruling that Apple must pay the Irish tax authorities 13 billion in back taxes appears to be a victory for fair tax campaigners. The amount is equal to about 30% of the total tax take in Ireland, or almost 7,000 for...

Why the case against the Human Rights Act is so weak

Aug 31, 2016 10:48 am UTC| Law

The Human Rights Act was enacted in 1998 and made the rights set down in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) part of UK law for the first time. The ECHR was drafted after World War II and places obligations on...

European Commission warns multinationals as Apple ordered to pay €13 billion in tax

Aug 31, 2016 10:22 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Business

The European Commission is putting multinationals on notice with its order to tech giant Apple to pay 13 billion in tax to Ireland. Its signalling that it wont bow to pressure from the US. Now other countries may follow...

On the marriage equality plebiscite, let's not confuse free speech with a free-for-all

Aug 31, 2016 10:08 am UTC| Insights & Views Law

In recent days some of the proponents of a plebiscite on marriage equality have argued it is important because it will allow people to air their views. The government has suggested that it would be democracy at work....

Climate Change Series

Climate Change Authority suggests emissions trading but no new climate targets

Aug 31, 2016 09:32 am UTC| Law Nature

An intensity-based emissions trading scheme for the electricity sector, to begin in 2018, is among a toolkit of policies recommended by the Climate Change Authority in a report setting out how Australia can meet its...

Are US antitrust regulators giving Silicon Valley's 'free' apps a free pass?

Aug 30, 2016 09:31 am UTC| Insights & Views Law

Judging by the political winds, Silicon Valley seems headed for a showdown with antitrust regulators. For the first time since 1988, the Democratic Partys platform includes stronger antitrust enforcement, while leading...

Oil in Global Economy Series

Estimating the 'cost' of fuel tax credits is a tricky business

Aug 29, 2016 07:42 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Economy

In calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, critics of Australias fuel tax credits system have highlighted its cost to Australian taxpayers and the budget bottom line. The Greens have said that ending fossil fuel...