Alan Kohler on the stories he covered — and the ones he missed
In his final column before retiring from the ABC, Alan Kohler reflects on the stories that shaped him, plus those that shaped Australia in ways he could not predict.
This is the author's final column for the ABC, written after 31 years working with the network, mostly on television and now focusing on columns and podcast interviews. Reflecting on his tenure, the author notes that despite being present for the decade-long Australian reform era, he and others missed some of the most significant events happening during that time.
One of the biggest missed opportunities was when John Howard refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol in 1998, citing Australia's role as a fossil fuel exporter. By doing so, he set the stage for 30 years of political conflict and energy policy paralysis that continue to affect the nation. Another overlooked development was the introduction of a 50% capital gains tax discount in 1999, which unintentionally encouraged property investment and contributed to a surge in house prices.
This discount, stemming from the Ralph Review of Business Taxation, was meant to stimulate investment in company shares but instead led to a significant shift in the housing market. The author also touches on how Howard's decision in 2001 to allow foreign students to use their visas as a pathway to permanent residency played a role in Australia's immigration boom.
Additionally, China joining the World Trade Organization in 2001 marked a turning point in global economics, as the world's largest pool of labor and manufacturing ambition entered the international economy, leading to a period of rapid growth and dependence on China for Australia's resource trade.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
