Come on Labor! Let's have a revenue-raising arms race to address inequality.

2017-02-22

The Australian Greens’ Treasury spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, today challenged Labor to a contest between now and the next election on who can best tackle inequality through the tax system.

Senator Whish-Wilson said “If Labor want to take a Buffet Tax to the election, just as the Greens have, that would be great. I would love to see Labor try to out-Green the Greens.

"Let's see who can come up with the most progressive taxation platform for the next election. Let's have a revenue-raising arms race.

“If we are going to properly fund schools and hospitals, tackle climate change and give young people a fighting chance we need a suite of policies to stop the wealthy from hoarding all the loot.

“The Greens are already out there with a Buffet Tax, a bank tax, a revamped mining tax, a tax on trusts and reversing tax cuts for the top 20%. I challenge Labor to see us and raise us. We need a contest of ideas on the progressive side of politics.

“Big business and the landed gentry are militant in their campaign for lower taxes and more handouts. We would welcome any party who  joins the Greens in fighting a rear-guard against the zombie economics that is making it harder and harder for everyday people to get ahead," he concluded.

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Media contact:

Tim Beshara 0409164603

Media Release Treasury