Negative gearing is the practice of using losses on property investments to reduce taxable income. In 2013, approximately 1.3 million Australians used the concession. Data shows that high income earners write off much larger percentages of their taxes than those who earn lower wages. In 2012, surgeons wrote off $4,161 of their taxes using negative gearing while teachers wrote off $327. Proponents, including Malcolm Turnbull, argue that the practice has been part of Australian tax law since 1915 and is not a tax break since the real estate investor is taking a loss to their assets. Opponents argue that the policy disproportionately benefits Australians in high-paying occupations, not those of average incomes, since they are much more likely to own investment properties.
51% Yes |
49% No |
39% Yes |
39% No |
9% Yes, this concession disproportionately benefits the rich |
10% No, but limit to one house per person |
3% Yes, the government will save over $4 billion per year in lost taxes |
See how support for each position on “Negative Gearing” has changed over time for 26.5k Australia voters.
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See how importance of “Negative Gearing” has changed over time for 26.5k Australia voters.
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Unique answers from Australia users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@4TC4JQ63yrs3Y
Houses should be communally owned and used for human consumption and not profit
@9K8TZN22mos2MO
No, but implement a rate of diminishing returns to allow new beneficiaries into the market but limit and existing investors and place a hard cap (of 10 for example).
@9G37XJT7mos7MO
The Government should provide compensation for house owners that are struggling to make payments to counter-act negative gearing.
@9CFCXTW10mos10MO
Not everyone wants to own their own home and need rental properties. Perhaps instead of paying PWC 26 Billion the government should have provided economical and public housing
@99VT2TT1yr1Y
Ban negative gearing on existing properties; allow it on new builds and limit to two properties
@8GQLD6D4yrs4Y
Abolish private property.
Explore other topics that are important to Australia voters.