The Role of Income Taxation in Natural Resources Management
It is widely accepted that accelerated depreciation concessions, such as sections 75B and 750, are a poor means for government to address environmental objectives. This position is further supported by recent information highlighting the limited behavioural effect of this form of intervention. The continued existence of poorly targeted subsidy measures, in the face of mounting evidence of their ineffectual nature, suggests they are an important source of political benefits. It is further proposed that as assistance to agriculture declines, the political value of 'generic' policies providing economic rents to industry, such as taxation concessions, will increase and potentially impede the development of agricultural-environmental policy. The further point made is that significant environmental gains will be associated with a greater degree of policy complementarity, not only among elements of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, but among elements of rural policy generally.
A Note on Accelerated Depreciation and Investment Allowances
Accelerated depreciation and investment allowances are frequently requested by industry as a means of encouraging investment and promoting the adoption of socially desirable practices by farmers. Examples include the 100 per cent tax deduction for capital expenditure to combat and prevent land degradation (Section 750), and the recently introduced 10 per cent investment allowance for fodder and water storage for livestock, water conveyancing and minimum tillage equipment. Farm level survey data are used to provide evidence of the extent and distribution of benefits to farmers that flow from different rates of depreciation, and from the introduction of a 10 per cent investment allowance. A priori, it may be difficult for the farmer (or farm financial adviser) to determine which depreciation period will provide the largest tax benefit, as the results are dependent on both future taxable incomes, and tax rates.
Key Considerations for an Economic and Legal Framework Facilitating Medical Travel
Medical travel has the capacity to counter increasing costs of health care by creating new markets and increased revenue for health services, potentially benefiting local populations, economies, and health-care systems. This paper is part of a broad, comprehensive project aimed at developing a global health access policy (GHAP). It presents key issues to consider in terms of ensuring economic viability, sustainability, and limiting risk to the many stakeholders involved in the rapidly expanding industry of medical travel. The noted economic and legal barriers to medical travel are based on a synthesis of themes found in an extensive review of the available literature. Economic considerations, when setting up a GHAP, include a dynamic approach to pricing that is fair to the local population. Legal considerations include the implementation of international quality standards and the protection of the rights of those traveling as well as those of local populations in recipient countries. By taking into account these opportunities, the GHAP will more adequately address existing gaps in the economic and legal regulation of medical travel.