By Josh Butler
Publication Date: 2026-05-17 07:38:00
Tech entrepreneurs have mocked the government’s changes to capital gains tax by posting AI-generated photos of Anthony Albanese as their “new founder” and warning that increased taxes could discourage people from working for new companies or sending startups abroad.
Startups and entrepreneurs may still get an exemption from the federal government’s planned changes to the CGT rebate, with the Prime Minister saying he wants to support innovation and Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealing consultations with the sector would continue.
The CGT changes – replacing the 50% tax rebate on profits with “cost base indexation”, a tax on profits after inflation, and a minimum tax rate of 30% – were strongly opposed by some tech founders. Early-stage startup companies with low cash flow often offer their employees equity in the company or stock options in lieu of higher pay, while founders may be motivated to take risks with new ventures by high potential payday risk if they…
