Taxation

Spender commended the crossbench for driving the debate on tax reform and intergenerational equity. Spender argued that the current tax system fails to drive productivity or climate action, disproportionately burdening younger Australians while wealth for older households grows. Spender urged the government to consider the breadth of taxes, including GST, to fix the system and ensure fairer outcomes for future generations.

Sitou emphasised the government's focus on young people through youth advisory groups and policy actions on climate change and education. Sitou highlighted the equitable distribution of stage 3 tax cuts, which benefited the majority of Gen Z and millennials, and reforms to superannuation tax concessions for high-balance accounts. Sitou argued these measures demonstrate a commitment to intergenerational fairness and addressing the challenges faced by younger Australians.

Ryan argued that the tax system is unfit for purpose, citing outdated concessions such as those for amateur sports clubs and capital gains tax for landlords. Ryan criticised the petroleum resource rent tax for failing to capture revenue from liquefied natural gas exports, effectively giving resources away to multinationals. Ryan proposed ring-fencing fossil fuel projects and applying a robust resource tax to LNG to ensure a fair return for Australians.

Campbell highlighted concerns from young people in her electorate regarding housing, cost of living, and the environment. Campbell contrasted the government's actions, such as the five per cent deposit scheme and free TAFE, with the opposition's opposition to these measures. Campbell argued that the government is actively addressing intergenerational unfairness through tax cuts and investments in housing and education.

Sharkie focused on tax incentives for regional Australia, noting that zone tax offsets have not been indexed since 1993. Sharkie proposed revamped zonal incentives to attract workers to regional areas and reforms to encourage older Australians to remain in the workforce. Sharkie also advocated for income splitting and tax deductions for childcare expenses to support families and address low fertility rates.

Coffey highlighted the challenges faced by young people in her electorate, including rising rents and student debt. Coffey detailed government initiatives such as HECS debt relief, Commonwealth prac payments, and free TAFE places. Coffey also pointed to investments in housing supply and the five per cent deposit scheme as practical support for young Australians trying to enter the housing market.

Steggall argued that the tax system is outdated and fails to address climate risk or intergenerational inequality. Steggall called for phasing out capital gains tax discounts for multiple investment properties, reducing stamp duty, and limiting negative gearing to properties meeting energy standards. Steggall advocated for a fossil fuel export levy and strengthening the petroleum resource rent tax to reward innovation rather than extraction.

Berry emphasised the government's commitment to fairness and social justice, highlighting economic improvements such as wage growth and job creation. Berry detailed tax cuts for all Australians, student debt reductions, and the five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers. Berry argued that the government is addressing intergenerational equity through sustainable economic management and support for young people.

Scamps warned that younger generations face significant economic challenges due to an outdated tax system reliant on income tax. Scamps advocated for reforming the petroleum resource rent tax, introducing targeted taxes on junk food and gambling, and reviewing housing tax concessions. Scamps called for a 'wellbeing of future generations' act to address structural policy dysfunction and ensure long-term sustainability.