2016-09-15
Greens Treasury spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, says the Australia Greens will oppose the Treasury Laws Amendment (Income Tax Relief) Bill being debated in the Federation Chamber of the House of Representatives today.
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “Today in the Federation Chamber, you will see the Labor, Liberal and National Parties voting to pass a Bill that will cut taxes for the top 20% of income earners, whilst in the Senate they will be voting to pass the Omnibus Bill that will slash clean energy funding.
“The Labor and Liberal parties should hang their heads in shame; they are handing back the money so desperately needed by ARENA to tackle global warming, to the very people that need the money the least.
“Labor and Liberal are talking up their $6 billion in savings from the Omnibus, but are immediately handing back $4 billion of these savings to the wealthiest salary-earners in a tax break.
"Scott Morrison talks of taxed and taxed-nots while clearly working to make sure that wealthy Australians become the taxed-not-enoughs.
“The Government likes to spin this Bill as being about those earning $80,000 to $87,000 per annum, but what it does is provide all those earning $80,000 and above with an additional $315 annually regardless of whether they earn $100,000 or $10 million.
“In fact, this Bill will provide and extra $315 per annum to 370,000 people who earn over $180,000.
“This is a $315 cash-back for myself, for Malcolm Turnbull and for Ian Narev, not for those who actually need it.
“This measure will increase inequality, worsen the recurrent budget position and will further undermine Australia's leadership in climate action.
“Today the Government is crying poor for the wealthiest Australians, while simultaneously screaming about a budget emergency to justify further cuts to renewable energy or income support for Australians most in need. This government claims it has a National Economic Plan but all it really has is a plan to help its wealthy friends,” he concluded