There is little margin for error for governments when selling budgets.
Errors, omissions or mixed messages can derail a government’s post-budget sales job, turning a potential political winner into a liability.
Last week’s 2026 federal budget is being undermined by mixed messaging and — perhaps — imperfect policy development.
The government says its reduction of capital gains tax (CGT) discounts on property transactions is designed to help young people enter the property market. But the changes have infuriated the startup and venture capital sectors because they apply across all asset classes.
Critics argue this could make it harder for startups to offer employees share programs and could also discourage investment.
