The Evolution of Australia's Intergovernmental Financial Relations Framework (澳大利亚政府间财政关系框架的演变)

Abstract

The paper discusses the evolution of Australia's intergovernmental financial relations framework, including developments under Australia's Constitution, and analyses intergovernmental financial transactions under the framework. The methods used to address vertical fiscal imbalance (VFI) and horizontal equity in Australia are discussed and quantitative data on spending across Australian Governments are presented. VFI and horizontal equity are also examined from a historical viewpoint. Finally, some current issues and potential future developments impacting on the distribution of revenue between Australian governments are briefly canvassed.