2025-08-22
The Greens say the Government's roundtable has delivered nothing for workers, renters and first home buyers, according to Greens Senator Barbara Pocock.
With the Treasurer just today identifying the need to move on intergenerational inequality, the Greens say the government must move beyond talk, into action on tax reform and improved conditions for workers.
Lines attributable to Senator Larissa Waters, Leader of the Australian Greens:
“What a flop that the roundtable didn’t result in anything more than Labor’s minimal pre-election plans. No action on big corporations paying their fair share, no changing housing tax settings that have cooked affordability, and no understanding that climate action is key to future economic prosperity. What a visionless approach,” Senator Waters said.
“The roundtable didn’t consider taxes on rich coal and gas corporations or take action on handouts for wealthy property investors. It didn’t move us towards a four day work week or raise income support. Instead, the major outcomes seem likely to push up emissions and slow down rooftop solar.
“The Treasurer’s calls for action on intergenerational inequality moments after the economic roundtable finished show how little the three day event achieved.
“Labor can’t keep putting off important reforms year after year, talking about problems like the housing crisis or intergenerational inequality while doing little to fix them. It’s time to put the talk aside and take action.”
Lines attributable to Australian Greens spokesperson for finance, employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:
“This is a missed opportunity for bold action from the Government. Labor could deliver genuine tax reform today that would tackle intergenerational inequality, improve conditions for workers and boost productivity. Long delays on tax reform aren't going to fix anything.
“Labor is supposed to be the party of the worker and yet its economic roundtable has delivered nothing for workers. Despite weeks of proposals from unions, we’ve seen zero commitments from the Government to improving working conditions that would ultimately boost productivity. What’s the point of inviting workers’ representatives to a roundtable if you’re not going to listen to them.
“The evidence is clear - flexible working arrangements - such as the right to work from home and a shorter working week with the same pay - reduce the time spent on commuting, improve work-life balance, increase mental and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity. They are good for women.
“This is about justice for working people. The profit share of GDP has risen while workers’ share has shrunk. It's time for workers to get their fair share. The Government has the support of unions for real reform for workers and their families. The Greens stand ready to pass them in parliament.
“Ending the housing crisis is possible but cutting red tape won’t cut it. We have to bite the bullet on tax. That means winding back unfair tax handouts to wealthy property investors which are cooking our housing system, fuelling intergenerational inequality and helping to shut an entire generation out of home ownership.
“Unless the Government makes the necessary reforms to the tax concessions for property investors, we’ll continue to see house prices rise and rents spiral. Labor must listen to the experts and deliver tax reforms that will actually help Australians put a roof over their head.
“Labor must deliver on essential tax reform to deal with the housing crisis, ensure workers get their fair share and strengthen flexible working arrangements which we know boosts productivity.”