NG should go for the long term benefit of the nation, Soo's analysis says it all. http://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2013/02/busting-negative-gearings-myths/
Further: It encourages over-investment in residential property, an essentially "unproductive" asset, which is an economic distortion.
I recall, ever so proudly, the days when Australia was a productive nation, heck, we used to produce tractors in Melbourne.
The next thing that should go is annual leave loading, no wonder Australia's competitors are laughing.