Labor’s reform outlook cools before long winter break
Labor will try to implement controversial changes to the tax system before parliament goes into a long winter recess.
Negotiations over the major overhaul are ongoing between the Greens and the Albanian government, with parliament meeting on Monday for two weeks before a five-week recess.
A Labor-led committee submitted its final report on Friday, recommending legislation proposing changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax.
On the same day, he delayed the report of a separate parliamentary inquiry into the overhaul of the NDIS for a second time, moving the deadline to Tuesday.
The Greens do not support either plan, arguing that grandfathering tax concessions is too generous, and also insist the NDIS investigation be extended.
While the coalition opposes the tax changes, Labor needs minor party support to pass the bill.
Greens senator David Shoebridge said extensive discussions were ongoing on both pieces of legislation.
“This is a government that wants to take billions of dollars from the most marginalized people in the country who need help the most,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“We won’t support this. The NDIS bill is downright cruel.”
As part of the revamp, 160,000 people will be kicked out of the scheme in a bid to stop the NDIS growing at an “unsustainable” rate.
More than 30 business groups have come together to urge MPs to reject Labour’s proposed changes to capital gains tax.
Critics attacked Labour’s initial proposal to scrap the current 50 per cent capital gains tax cut and replace it with inflation indexation and a minimum rate of 30 per cent.
In a joint letter, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry warns the changes will deter business investment and weaken economic activity.
On Monday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet virtually with state and territory leaders to discuss fuel security.
The government announced that fuel consumption cuts will be extended for another month with a lower discount; This means fuel will be 16 cents cheaper per liter.
The current savings of 32 cents per liter, implemented in response to rising oil prices due to the US-led war against Iran, will end after June.
As support for One Nation grows, the coalition will seek to scrutinize the details of the party’s policy to show voters its weak points.
For the first time, Pauline Hanson is supported as the preferred prime minister in the polls.
Senator Hanson rejected multiculturalism in his opening remarks to the National Press Club.
But Toowoomba-based Liberal MP Garth Hamilton, who faces a likely strong One Nation challenge for his seat, questioned his “monoculture” vision.
He said the coalition needed to be “cool, calm and confident” in presenting strong policies to voters.
“We can’t ignore the areas of concern that people are talking about,” Mr. Hamilton said.
“At the same time, we cannot avoid the differences between us and One Nation.”
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