Senate passes deficit levy

High-income earners will pay more tax after parliament approved the Coalition government’s first budget measure. The temporary budget repair levy increases the top income tax rate, which applies to any income earned over $180,000, from 45 per cent to 47 per cent from July 1. It aims to collect an extra $3.2 billion over three…

Minimum wage to lift 3%

ELIZABETH REDMAN WITH AAP 4 JUN, 2:24 PM POLITICS NATIONAL AFFAIRS ECONOMY AUSTRALIAN NEWS PRODUCTIVITY Australia’s 1.5 million lowest paid workers will get an $18.70 a week pay rise from July 1. The Fair Work Commission announced a 3 per cent increase to the national minimum wage, which will now be $640.90 a week. The…