Big firm tax cuts wait for Hanson

THE Federal Government is on the verge of passing its multi- billion dollar big business tax cuts, but is still shy of securing a deal with One Nation.

While One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has indicated she is open to talks, and is understood to have secured an agreement for 1000 taxpayer subsidised apprenticeships, she is seeking more sweeteners before inking a deal.

But the Government still faces a roadblock with Senator Derryn Hinch who has demanded the big four banks be left out of the tax cuts – which the Government is opposing.

Under the proposal the company tax rate for the biggest corporations in Australia would be cut from 30 per cent to 25 per cent.

A letter from Australian business leaders including Qantas CEO Alan Joyce, BHP boss Andrew Mackenzie and Fortescue Metals chairman Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest sent to crossbenchers urged support for the plan and promised to commit more to Australia.

Senator Hanson said it had helped convince her to move from her previous position opposing the tax cuts.

“They are saying they will come to the party with it – that was a sticking point,” she said.

“Twiggy Forrest has been absolutely fantastic with this, and has given his guaranteed assurance to me.”

It is understood she has sought agreement for a pilot program to subsidise 1000 apprenticeship positions in private enterprise. But the party is seeking more before it signs the deal and is unlikely to finalise any agreement while Senator Hinch is holding out.

Labor continues to argue against the plan, saying Australia’s half- trillion gross debt meant it could not afford big business tax cuts.

Labor’s Moreton MP Graham Perrett criticised any deal One Nation may sign on the corporate tax cuts.

“This is criminal and such a betrayal of those battlers who voted for her,” he posted on social media.

TWIGGY FORREST HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC WITH THIS, AND HAS GIVEN HIS GUARANTEED ASSURANCE TO ME.

PAULINE HANSON