Getting the budget back in order

The inequity may not be all that evident at the moment but in time it certainly will be. As we all know, if you don't own your home by the time you retire you will struggle.

The Commonwealth could save hundreds of millions of dollars a year by reducing grants to those states that engage in price-gouging of residential land holdings through their land management corporations. It could also immediately sell off its own surplus land.

The resulting lower prices would have a multiplier effect: more housing activity, more employment, more income tax paid, more building materials made and sold, more whitegoods, appliances and soft furnishings.

Bringing the massive deficit under control is not something that can be kicked down the road. It requires political courage, something sorely lacking in Australian politics at the moment. We think these suggestions would make a good start.