Albanese can end ongoing tax cut saga

ANTHONY Albanese has no reason to appear perplexed and annoyed about repeated questions to clarify his government’s stance on stage three tax cuts in the lead-up to the October Budget.

Seven times on Sunday the Prime Minister said Labor’s policy “hasn’t changed”.

And for good measure Mr Albanese fell back on his default defence that the issue was not one occupying the minds of the general public, only the media.

Even if that were true (it isn’t), he conveniently forgot to mention this whole debate was sparked by his own government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers deliberately opened the metaphorical can of worms that has prompted the mounting inquiries about the future of the stage three cuts.

He, like Mr Albanese and every member of the government front bench asked on this issue, has also toed the line confirming the policy remained unchanged.

But has not “changed” and will not “change” are two very different statements.

The full stage three package is expected to cost $243bn over a decade, and there are quarters within the government who feel this money could either be better spent, or even not spent at all.

It’s equally as fair for the opposition to point out not delivering the full tax package would break an election promise made just five months ago.

Labor can try and argue the global economy is far worse than could ever have been foreseen as recently as May, but they can’t also claim apparent total clarity about the international situation in July 2024 when the tax cuts are due.

The PM has now effectively ruled out any changes in the Budget on October 25.

But ultimately, the government is angling to tinker with the top end of the cuts.

They want to keep the savings for Australians earning over $45,000, but trim the top end of the changes delivering tax cuts of up to $9000 to high-income earners.

Mr Albanese can either give seven more not-quite answers, or his government can clearly spell out the future of the stage three package and face the political consequences.

INDEFENSIBLE DEFENCE

Any waste of money or delays in a government department is bad for taxpayers. In the case of Defence projects, which are relied upon to maintain the relative peace and security Australia and the region has long-enjoyed, the stakes are high.

New measures being unveiled by the federal government to stop critical Defence projects falling behind schedule and going over budget is therefore very welcome.

There are currently 28 major projects running a collective 97-years late, with contract variations for 18 projects costing some extra $6.5bn.

Those eye-watering figures are indefensible. With a decision on the AUKUS nuclear-fuelled submarines now less than six months away, transparency from the Albanese and future governments will be critical.