Australia's tax system is under pressure.

In part one of this With Interest conversation, Jenny Wong is joined by two of the country's leading voices in tax policy — David Bradbury and Paul Tilley. Together, they explore the structural flaws in Australia's tax system, the economic and political barriers to reform and the urgent need for a tax mix shift.

Key takeaways include:

• Why Australia's tax system may not be fit for "dangerous times"
• The single biggest structural flaw in Australia's tax system today
• The risks of over-reliance on personal income tax
• How capital income tax impacts productivity and investment
• Why Australia has gone 25 years without meaningful change

From capital taxation challenges to the erosion of GST revenue, this conversation offers deep insights into the future of tax reform in Australia.

The discussion was held at CPA Australia's inaugural Tax Forum in August 2025.

Listen now.

Host: Jenny Wong, Tax Lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia

Guests: David Bradbury, partner at KPMG Australia, former Federal Minister and Assistant Treasurer, former Deputy Director of the OECD's Centre for Tax Policy and Administration

Paul Tilley, former economic advisor to Treasury and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and author of Mixed Fortunes: A History of Tax Reform in Australia.

You can find a CPA at our custom portal on the CPA Australia website.

Stay tuned for part two as David Bradbury, Paul Tilley, Dale Pinto and Jenny Wong discuss the global tax reform debate, unpacking the challenges and opportunities facing Australia. Coming soon.

Would you like to listen to more With Interest episodes? Head to CPA Australia's YouTube channel.

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance, and accounting:

With Interest

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