LETTERS

The opposition has cheerfully pointed out that the big banks will be one target of its proposed parental leave tax. I wonder if they have considered how the banks will recover this unwelcome impost. The answer is simple: they will raise interest rates and pass on the cost to borrowers, including mortgage holders and small businesses.

On The Up And Up

According to the federal Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics, the increase in domestic discount prices could be as much as 26 per cent in the half-year to February.

Jetstar Fires First Shot In Fare War And Virgin Hits Back

Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon yesterday pledged that its new discount airline, Jetstar, will break even in its first year and be profitable in its second as he marked its launch with the first shot in a new discount airfare war.