PM says briefing on super tax plan was nothing unusual
Anthony Albanese has played down revelations that his office has requested a Treasury briefing on upcoming legislation to increase taxes on large super balances.
The prime minister’s office has sought a briefing on legislation to impose a tax on super balances over $3 million, the Senate heard on Thursday.
The briefing was requested following concerns from stakeholder groups about the policy, which was introduced in 2023 but not presented to parliament.
“There have been some discussions with the prime minister’s office. It’s probably not unusual for that to happen from time to time,” Treasury official Diane Brown said at the estimates hearing.
“It remains illegal and that is why stakeholders continue to ask questions about the bill.”
The Prime Minister said the request for a briefing on the policy was standard for future reforms.
“We have briefings on policy all the time, as you would expect the Prime Minister’s office to do. That’s what we do,” he told reporters in Brisbane on Friday.
“There’s nothing unusual about that; that’s what happens with all policy issues.
“If you ask me about any policy, I’ll tell you I got a briefing, including housing and everything else.”
Mr Albanese said it was not worrying that groups were raising issues around super duty changes.
“People will raise policy issues from time to time. In this great democracy of ours, this is called public discourse.”
“My government is not apologizing for engaging people. That’s what we’re doing.”
While the coalition opposes the policy, the Greens have called for the threshold to be lowered to $2 million.
Labor will need support from both parties to deliver super tax changes.
Independent MP Nicolette Boele said the tax system should be made fairer but there should be consultation on reform.
“People have been planning how to save for retirement and how to structure those investments for decades,” he told ABC Radio.
“Any changes to super need to be considered and plenty of warning should be provided to savers, such as people looking to retire.”
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