The 'Shambles' Newman government has also attracted criticisms from those who normally steer clear of any kind of political commentary, most notable of whom is Tony Fitzgerald. No one has a clearer view of what long-standing political corruption looks like, and the predisposing factors that lead to its development. And reluctantly Fitzgerald has waded into the public domain again to describe the current government's disdain for democracy.
We are also in need of oversight of the other deranged government we are currently lumbered with... the Federal government. Thankfully, the Senate is currently providing that. But when Palmer takes the reins... real oversight is much less certain.
In the interim... below is a report from Penny Wong who is doing all she can to keep fairness a part of the Australian landscape.
Despite all the bluster and claims of Senate obstruction, the Abbott Government has so far only presented a handful of Budget bills to the Senate.
Here’s the rundown on the current situation:
- Appropriation Bills have passed the Senate. We will never do what the Coalition did in 1975.
- Scrapping the Schoolkids Bonus and the Low Income Superannuation Contribution. The Government sought to scrap Labor’s Schoolkids Bonus and Low Income Superannuation Contribution as part of its bill to repeal the Minerals Resources Rent Tax. Labor voted against this bill in the Senate and it was defeated in March.
- Deficit reduction levy. This increases the top tax rate for people earning more than $180,000 a year. While it represents a broken promise, Labor did not oppose this measure in the Senate because it is targeted at those on very high incomes. The legislation has now passed Parliament.
- GP and Medicines Taxes. Labor will vote against the new taxes of $7 per GP visit and $5 per chemist prescription when legislation comes into the Parliament.
- Increasing university fees and student debt. Labor will vote against these measures.
- Cutting indexation of pensions. We’ll will vote against these cuts when legislation is brought into the Parliament.
- Increasing petrol taxes. Labor will vote against the Government’s plans to increase fuel excises because of the cost of living impact on low and middle income earners.
The Government is bullying the new cross-bench Senators to vote for its cuts. Labor’s Senate team will work with the cross benchers to oppose the Budget’s unfair cuts. I’ll keep you posted over coming months on how you can help make sure all Senators know exactly what the community thinks of the government’s legislation.
Until next time,
Penny Wong