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Labor moves to split government's income tax bill – politics live Taxpayers will 'assist' with Michaelia Cash's subpoena fight bill – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Michelle Guthrie is addressing the Melbourne press club answering the question ‘how do you put price on the value on the ABC’?
This is coming just moments after the Coalition party room had the discussion of whether there should be a ‘cost benefit analysis’ for each of it’s programs.
Not sure how that would go in the rural and regional areas, where there just aren’t that many people, but those programs are considered an absolute lifeblood of the community.
Guthrie says the ABC has commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to do some research for it.
The report is still being compiled and will be released next month, but the early findings are very interesting - they show that the ABC contributed more than a billion dollars to the Australian economy in the last financial year - on a par with the public investment into the organisation.
“So far from being a drain on the public purse, the audience, community and economic value stemming from the ABC activity is a real and tangible benefit. “
While Labor has been revving up for a tax fight, government conservatives have been up to their favourite activity: squabbling about the national energy guarantee.
The usual suspects: Tony Abbott, Eric Abetz, Craig Kelly, Andrew Gee and Ian MacDonald raised their usual objections about the policy. National Scott Buchholtz fretted about high energy prices. Liberal Trent Zimmerman spoke up in support of the policy.
According to folks in the room, Abetz attempted to argue that Abbott hadn’t given hard commitments about signing up to the Paris agreement, that it was always aspirational. Abetz apparently invoked his favourite line about not “putting pensioners before Paris”.
The energy minister Josh Frydenberg (correctly) said Abbott had signed the government up to Paris with firm commitments, not aspirations.
Abbott also raised the impact of the national energy guarantee on the Tomago aluminium smelter. Frydenberg pointed out that the owners of Tomago are supportive of the national energy guarantee.
Brian Burston said he only decided to join Clive Palmer at 10:30am on Monday...But his staffer tweeted this at 7:47am https://t.co/5xqvVHMBrZ
For those who have been blocked by Mary-Ann Oaten, a Brian Burston staffer, here is the Tweet @workmanalice was pointing to - and another, a minute before Burston stood up in the house to say he was an independent: #auspol (Burston said he didn’t make the decision until 10.30) pic.twitter.com/gJPB2wPFJg
Christian Porter has approved “assistance” in Michaelia Cash’s fight against two subpoenas in the AWU raids federal court case.Christian Porter has approved “assistance” in Michaelia Cash’s fight against two subpoenas in the AWU raids federal court case.
Taxpayers to pick up the bill for Michaelia Cash’s legal fight against the two subpoenas in the AWU raid leak case: #auspol pic.twitter.com/l0RzlZrmVrTaxpayers to pick up the bill for Michaelia Cash’s legal fight against the two subpoenas in the AWU raid leak case: #auspol pic.twitter.com/l0RzlZrmVr
Labor has released its statement on its tax cut legislation position (emphasis Labor’s):Labor has released its statement on its tax cut legislation position (emphasis Labor’s):
A Shorten Labor government will deliver permanent tax relief for the Australians who need it most – ensuring tax relief goes back into the pockets of 10 million middle income and working Australians, not Turnbull’s millionaires.A Shorten Labor government will deliver permanent tax relief for the Australians who need it most – ensuring tax relief goes back into the pockets of 10 million middle income and working Australians, not Turnbull’s millionaires.
Under the Liberals, working Australians are struggling with soaring cost of living expenses – with energy costs higher than ever, health costs higher than ever, and wage growth at record lows.Under the Liberals, working Australians are struggling with soaring cost of living expenses – with energy costs higher than ever, health costs higher than ever, and wage growth at record lows.
But Turnbull wants someone on $200,000 to pay the same tax rate as someone on $40,000.But Turnbull wants someone on $200,000 to pay the same tax rate as someone on $40,000.
Labor will fight to ensure that low income and working Australians get a fair share – rather than the top tax bracket being the largest beneficiary in six years’ time.Labor will fight to ensure that low income and working Australians get a fair share – rather than the top tax bracket being the largest beneficiary in six years’ time.
Labor’s will support tax cuts for 10 million people on the 1st of July – we are ready to vote for them today. And if we are elected, we will almost double these tax cuts and make them permanent – while asking those in the top tax bracket to pay a little more to help reduce the debt.Labor’s will support tax cuts for 10 million people on the 1st of July – we are ready to vote for them today. And if we are elected, we will almost double these tax cuts and make them permanent – while asking those in the top tax bracket to pay a little more to help reduce the debt.
Labor’s bigger, better and fairer income tax cuts will see those earning up to $125,000 a year better off when compared to Malcolm Turnbull’s plan over the next four years.Labor’s bigger, better and fairer income tax cuts will see those earning up to $125,000 a year better off when compared to Malcolm Turnbull’s plan over the next four years.
Labor does not support someone on $200,000 paying the same tax rate as someone on $40,000. We don’t agree with Turnbull giving even more tax cuts for the top tax bracket – and this is after Turnbull cut their tax rate last year.Labor does not support someone on $200,000 paying the same tax rate as someone on $40,000. We don’t agree with Turnbull giving even more tax cuts for the top tax bracket – and this is after Turnbull cut their tax rate last year.
That’s why Labor will move amendments in the Senate to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018 to ensure the passage of the tax cuts starting on 1 July.That’s why Labor will move amendments in the Senate to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018 to ensure the passage of the tax cuts starting on 1 July.
We will seek to implement better, fairer tax cuts through Labor’s Tax Refund for Working Australians – which would double the tax relief to up to $928 per year.We will seek to implement better, fairer tax cuts through Labor’s Tax Refund for Working Australians – which would double the tax relief to up to $928 per year.
Turnbull needs to stop standing in the way of tax relief for 10 million Australians. Tax cuts for teachers and tradies this year should not be held hostage to tax cuts for bankers in six years.Turnbull needs to stop standing in the way of tax relief for 10 million Australians. Tax cuts for teachers and tradies this year should not be held hostage to tax cuts for bankers in six years.
And if Turnbull doesn’t allow passage of tax relief for 10 million Australians before 1 July – a Shorten Labor government will ensure they receive it regardless. The treasurer himself has conceded that the legislation does not need to be in place by 1 July for the tax relief to be received at the end of next financial year – so we will act on Turnbull’s failure, make sure they receive this tax relief and lock in our bigger, fairer, tax cut.And if Turnbull doesn’t allow passage of tax relief for 10 million Australians before 1 July – a Shorten Labor government will ensure they receive it regardless. The treasurer himself has conceded that the legislation does not need to be in place by 1 July for the tax relief to be received at the end of next financial year – so we will act on Turnbull’s failure, make sure they receive this tax relief and lock in our bigger, fairer, tax cut.
The Turnbull government’s priority is for tax cuts for big business and high income earners – at a cost to the budget of a $25 billion a year in ten years’ time.The Turnbull government’s priority is for tax cuts for big business and high income earners – at a cost to the budget of a $25 billion a year in ten years’ time.
Because Labor isn’t giving millionaires another tax cut, or giving big business an $80 billion tax handout, we can put more money into the pockets of working Australians, fund better schools and hospitals, and pay down the debt quicker.Because Labor isn’t giving millionaires another tax cut, or giving big business an $80 billion tax handout, we can put more money into the pockets of working Australians, fund better schools and hospitals, and pay down the debt quicker.
At the end of the press conference, Bill Shorten is asked if he regrets giving the obituary for Bob Ellis, after Rozanna and Kate Lilley, daughters of playwright Dorothy Hewett, said Ellis was one of the men who used to come to their family home in the 70s and have sex with them, including when they were underage.At the end of the press conference, Bill Shorten is asked if he regrets giving the obituary for Bob Ellis, after Rozanna and Kate Lilley, daughters of playwright Dorothy Hewett, said Ellis was one of the men who used to come to their family home in the 70s and have sex with them, including when they were underage.
The Australian reported on that, and the books the women have written about growing up in the Lilley house, here.The Australian reported on that, and the books the women have written about growing up in the Lilley house, here.
“I didn’t know then what we know now,” he said.“I didn’t know then what we know now,” he said.
“I think they are shocking allegations.“I think they are shocking allegations.
“Yes. I do.”“Yes. I do.”
Bill Shorten is addressing the “aspirational” debate Malcolm Turnbull and the government has raised.Bill Shorten is addressing the “aspirational” debate Malcolm Turnbull and the government has raised.
“Mr Turnbull loves to talk about aspiration. But he only has one definition of aspiration. More money.“Mr Turnbull loves to talk about aspiration. But he only has one definition of aspiration. More money.
“Now that is not unreasonable. But I think there is plenty of aspiration in this country. I don’t judge a person by how much money they make. If you have an aspiration to send your kids to Tafe, that will do for me. If you have an aspiration to find decent home care, residential care, for your parent who has been diagnosed with dementia, that is aspiration. If you have an aspiration to be fair dinkum on climate change, that will do me.“Now that is not unreasonable. But I think there is plenty of aspiration in this country. I don’t judge a person by how much money they make. If you have an aspiration to send your kids to Tafe, that will do for me. If you have an aspiration to find decent home care, residential care, for your parent who has been diagnosed with dementia, that is aspiration. If you have an aspiration to be fair dinkum on climate change, that will do me.
“I have a view of Australia which is not defined by how much money you have in the bank.”“I have a view of Australia which is not defined by how much money you have in the bank.”
“We all support tax cuts for the first group – let’s do that. And as for the rest, why don’t we agree to disagree and trust the Australian people to decide at the next election”.“We all support tax cuts for the first group – let’s do that. And as for the rest, why don’t we agree to disagree and trust the Australian people to decide at the next election”.
Bill Shorten says attempting to bind future parliaments to the second and third tax plans “doesn’t make sense”.Bill Shorten says attempting to bind future parliaments to the second and third tax plans “doesn’t make sense”.
“I often find in life it is easier to stick to your lines when it is something you believe in,” he says, about voting for just the first tranche. As for parts two and three:“I often find in life it is easier to stick to your lines when it is something you believe in,” he says, about voting for just the first tranche. As for parts two and three:
“Just put it to the people. Just put it to the people”.“Just put it to the people. Just put it to the people”.
Chris Bowen says Labor will make tax an election issue:Chris Bowen says Labor will make tax an election issue:
Now, as I said, the Labor party’s position is fair, responsible, some may say brave. We’ll take that criticism. But we’re prepared to stand for our values. We’re prepared to do what we think is responsible.Now, as I said, the Labor party’s position is fair, responsible, some may say brave. We’ll take that criticism. But we’re prepared to stand for our values. We’re prepared to do what we think is responsible.
We’re prepared to do, as shown time and time again in the economic debate in the last five years, to lead and take risks and be the responsible parties when it comes to the budget.We’re prepared to do, as shown time and time again in the economic debate in the last five years, to lead and take risks and be the responsible parties when it comes to the budget.
We’re providing better and fairer tax relief for Australians but also providing a more responsible budget repair approach.We’re providing better and fairer tax relief for Australians but also providing a more responsible budget repair approach.
Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull may have thrown budget repair out the window. We have not.Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull may have thrown budget repair out the window. We have not.
We are prepared to take our plans to the people at byelections or at general election, and the Labor party’s position will be bring this debate on, in whatever form the prime minister and treasurer choose to have it. Bill and I will be there willing to have it with them.We are prepared to take our plans to the people at byelections or at general election, and the Labor party’s position will be bring this debate on, in whatever form the prime minister and treasurer choose to have it. Bill and I will be there willing to have it with them.
Just to recap, Labor will only support stage 1 of the tax cuts – the $540 tax rebate for lower and middle earners.Just to recap, Labor will only support stage 1 of the tax cuts – the $540 tax rebate for lower and middle earners.
It will work to amend the bill to split the second and third tax cuts, so the first can go through.It will work to amend the bill to split the second and third tax cuts, so the first can go through.
If Labor loses in this attempt, it will vote no against the entire bill.If Labor loses in this attempt, it will vote no against the entire bill.
If the government manages to pass the bill, Labor will repeal the legislation, if it wins government.If the government manages to pass the bill, Labor will repeal the legislation, if it wins government.
Both Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen have mentioned the timing – that the tax rebate doesn’t kick in until July 2019, which gives the government the entire financial year to pass it. They have also pointed out that the other stages don’t kick in until another four and then seven years down the track.Both Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen have mentioned the timing – that the tax rebate doesn’t kick in until July 2019, which gives the government the entire financial year to pass it. They have also pointed out that the other stages don’t kick in until another four and then seven years down the track.
Chris Bowen steps in:Chris Bowen steps in:
When the vote comes on in the Senate, as I said we will vote for stage 1. We will vote against stage 2 and against stage 3.When the vote comes on in the Senate, as I said we will vote for stage 1. We will vote against stage 2 and against stage 3.
If the government insists, in whatever force, we don’t know what will happen in the Senate. Nobody can accurately predict exactly how the Senate votes will go and we are not pretending that we can today, but if the Labor party is asked to vote yes or no on the total package, including stages 2 or 3, we will vote no.If the government insists, in whatever force, we don’t know what will happen in the Senate. Nobody can accurately predict exactly how the Senate votes will go and we are not pretending that we can today, but if the Labor party is asked to vote yes or no on the total package, including stages 2 or 3, we will vote no.
We are taking the responsible approach. As, with emphasis, we are prepared to vote for the 2018 tax cuts today.We are taking the responsible approach. As, with emphasis, we are prepared to vote for the 2018 tax cuts today.
More than that, because the bulk of the 2018 tax cuts are being provided as a rebate, Australians won’t actually receive them until 1st July 2019. Accordingly, they can be passed at any time over the next financial year.More than that, because the bulk of the 2018 tax cuts are being provided as a rebate, Australians won’t actually receive them until 1st July 2019. Accordingly, they can be passed at any time over the next financial year.
If the Turnbull government won’t pass the 2018 tax cuts an incoming Shorten Labor party government will, including the relatively small part of the tax cut that is a change to the threshold, which still can be done retrospectively and refunded to Australian workers as a rebate, tax refund, at the end of that financial year.If the Turnbull government won’t pass the 2018 tax cuts an incoming Shorten Labor party government will, including the relatively small part of the tax cut that is a change to the threshold, which still can be done retrospectively and refunded to Australian workers as a rebate, tax refund, at the end of that financial year.
If stages 2 and 3 are legislated, it will be our intention to repeal them.If stages 2 and 3 are legislated, it will be our intention to repeal them.
More Bill Shorten:More Bill Shorten:
We say to the government that if you want to talk about promises in more than two election cycles’ time, take these radical proposals to the people of Australia and see what they think about them.We say to the government that if you want to talk about promises in more than two election cycles’ time, take these radical proposals to the people of Australia and see what they think about them.
What we also say to the Turnbull government is that you should not hold hostage tax relief for tradies and teachers so that you can give the top end of town tax cuts in seven years’ time.What we also say to the Turnbull government is that you should not hold hostage tax relief for tradies and teachers so that you can give the top end of town tax cuts in seven years’ time.
“Our commitment to the Australian people is this: we will vote for tax cuts for you right now and if Mr Turnbull insists in playing silly political games over the next two weeks, our commitment to 10 million working Australians is when we are elected we will provide tax cuts for you which will actually be nearly double what the government is offering in this fortnight“Our commitment to the Australian people is this: we will vote for tax cuts for you right now and if Mr Turnbull insists in playing silly political games over the next two weeks, our commitment to 10 million working Australians is when we are elected we will provide tax cuts for you which will actually be nearly double what the government is offering in this fortnight
Bill Shorten on Labor’s plan to amend the government’s income tax plan:Bill Shorten on Labor’s plan to amend the government’s income tax plan:
Australian workers, Labor will be voting for a tax cut for you and we are ready to do so today. We will support the first stage of the government’s tax cuts, not because we think they are as good as the ones we are offering, but we certainly want to see Australian workers dealing with cost of living issues and low wage stagnation.Australian workers, Labor will be voting for a tax cut for you and we are ready to do so today. We will support the first stage of the government’s tax cuts, not because we think they are as good as the ones we are offering, but we certainly want to see Australian workers dealing with cost of living issues and low wage stagnation.
“We want to see them get a tax cut and we are ready to do it now. But as for the rest of the Turnbull government’s 10-year tax trick, it is an irresponsible plan from an irresponsible government and no responsible opposition would vote for it“We want to see them get a tax cut and we are ready to do it now. But as for the rest of the Turnbull government’s 10-year tax trick, it is an irresponsible plan from an irresponsible government and no responsible opposition would vote for it
Just on Clive Palmer’s point yesterday that his local paper held a poll and 70% were in support of him – here is the actual news:Just on Clive Palmer’s point yesterday that his local paper held a poll and 70% were in support of him – here is the actual news:
Re: the @tsv_bulletin poll Clive Palmer keeps quoting... 70% never said that HE should be the one to open it, just that the job-starved people of Townsville would really like to see it running. Local reax to his Herbert pitch speak for themselves #auspol https://t.co/OdNXoeOTpCRe: the @tsv_bulletin poll Clive Palmer keeps quoting... 70% never said that HE should be the one to open it, just that the job-starved people of Townsville would really like to see it running. Local reax to his Herbert pitch speak for themselves #auspol https://t.co/OdNXoeOTpC
Derryn Hinch had a chat to Sky News a couple of minutes ago, and said he thinks Palmer, who he described as a “novelty” during his first turn at politics, returns “flawed”.Derryn Hinch had a chat to Sky News a couple of minutes ago, and said he thinks Palmer, who he described as a “novelty” during his first turn at politics, returns “flawed”.
Mike Bowers was out and about when the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, left the Australia-China Business Council meeting this morning.Mike Bowers was out and about when the Chinese ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, left the Australia-China Business Council meeting this morning.
Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen will be holding a press conference in the next 20 minutes to talk about the decision to split the income tax bill.Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen will be holding a press conference in the next 20 minutes to talk about the decision to split the income tax bill.
The government has said it’s still all or nothing – but it is yet to cement the numbers it needs to pass it unamended.The government has said it’s still all or nothing – but it is yet to cement the numbers it needs to pass it unamended.
Here is what Chris Bowen had to say to Radio National this morning (before Labor made the decision).Here is what Chris Bowen had to say to Radio National this morning (before Labor made the decision).
But we’ve taken our time to work through the issues very carefully, as the alternative government should do. I’ll be making a recommendation to caucus which reflects our values, which reflects our principles and also reflects fiscal responsibility. Now, I still believe in fiscal responsibility, the Labor party still believes in fiscal responsibility. The government thinks it can have unfunded tax cuts on the never-never and we don’t know what the economy will be like in seven years’ time. But they say we can lock these tax cuts in. I have a different approach to these matters but I will be making those recommendations to the caucus as I made them to the shadow cabinet last night.But we’ve taken our time to work through the issues very carefully, as the alternative government should do. I’ll be making a recommendation to caucus which reflects our values, which reflects our principles and also reflects fiscal responsibility. Now, I still believe in fiscal responsibility, the Labor party still believes in fiscal responsibility. The government thinks it can have unfunded tax cuts on the never-never and we don’t know what the economy will be like in seven years’ time. But they say we can lock these tax cuts in. I have a different approach to these matters but I will be making those recommendations to the caucus as I made them to the shadow cabinet last night.