Matter of Public Importance

Taxation

House of Representatives · Thursday 15 October 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Leader of the Opposition raised a Matter of Public Importance to criticise the government's economic record, alleging internal rifts between the Prime Minister and Treasurer and arguing that tax policies and regulatory burdens were harming small businesses. Government ministers defended their record, highlighting permanent tax relief measures, regulatory reforms, and support for business investment, while accusing the opposition of relying on populist rhetoric and personal attacks. Opposition members argued that the government's policies, including trust tax changes and migration cuts, were causing financial distress for business owners, whereas Labor members emphasised job creation and cost-of-living support. The debate concluded without a vote, as is standard for Matters of Public Importance.

Outcome

The motion was debated as a Matter of Public Importance; no vote was taken.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Angus Taylor (Hume) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Taylor argued that the government was in disarray, citing alleged tensions between the Prime Minister and the Treasurer and pointing to recent policy reversals. Taylor claimed that government spending was driving inflation and that tax measures, particularly regarding trusts, were punishing hardworking small business owners, tradies, and farmers. Taylor asserted that the opposition would scrap net zero targets, increase fossil fuel production, and reduce migration levels to support economic stability. Taylor contended that the government's policies were leading to a collapse in living standards and business failures.

Government response

Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer; Minister for Financial Services) ALP Fraser

Mulino stated that the government prioritised small business support through concrete measures, including permanently allowing the $20,000 instant asset write-off and introducing a two-year loss carry-back. Mulino highlighted $3.5 billion in business tax relief and efforts to cut red tape, such as freezing the National Construction Code to aid housing construction. Mulino explained that the transition period for the ban on credit card surcharging was extended to June 2027 to assist businesses, alongside strengthened protections for franchisees and faster payments for contractors. Mulino criticised the opposition for opposing previous cost-of-living supports and for proposing unrealistic migration cuts that would harm business recruitment.

Opposition response

Aaron Violi (Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy; Shadow Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation; Shadow Minister for Cyber Security) Liberal Casey

Violi argued that the government had failed to increase the instant asset write-off to $50,000 and had adopted policies previously proposed by the coalition. Violi cited concerns from small business owners regarding the ban on credit card surcharges and the financial burden of restructuring assets due to trust tax changes. Violi claimed that these policies forced business owners to incur significant legal and accounting costs to protect their family assets. Violi suggested that the government lacked understanding of the daily pressures faced by tradies and small business operators.

Josh Burns (Macnamara) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Burns criticised the Leader of the Opposition for focusing on culture wars and nuclear energy rather than small business issues. Burns highlighted the opposition's previous opposition to tax cuts and questioned the viability of their economic policies. Burns also raised concerns about internal Liberal Party dynamics and leadership stability.
Simon Kennedy (Cook) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Kennedy argued that Australia was an economic outlier with high inflation and interest rate rises compared to other advanced economies. Kennedy cited International Monetary Fund predictions regarding unemployment and inflation, attributing these issues to high government spending. Kennedy claimed that small businesses were struggling with input costs and that the government was failing to support the sector.
Gabriel Ng (Menzies) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ng emphasised the government's focus on practical solutions for small businesses, including tax relief and regulatory support. Ng highlighted the diversity of business ownership in his electorate and the importance of supporting migrant-owned enterprises. Ng noted that the permanent instant asset write-off and loss carry-back measures were helping businesses manage cash flow.
Mary Aldred (Monash) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Aldred shared anecdotes from constituents in her electorate who were struggling with rising fuel costs, input prices, and tax restructuring requirements. Aldred argued that the government's policies were causing financial hardship for small business owners and their employees. Aldred criticised the Prime Minister's public comments regarding the Treasurer and the government's handling of economic issues.
Sarah Witty (Melbourne) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Witty drew on her own experience as a small business owner to argue that the government understood the challenges faced by the sector. Witty highlighted job creation, low unemployment, and tax concessions for small businesses as evidence of effective economic management. Witty stated that the government was making the tax system fairer and more certain for business owners.
Leon Rebello (McPherson) (Liberal National Party) LNP oppose

Rebello argued that the government lacked understanding of small business realities and was making frequent policy reversals. Rebello cited examples of government backflips on issues such as veterans' healthcare and credit card bans. Rebello criticised the Minister for Small Business for travelling overseas while businesses were closing and questioned the government's priorities.
Matt Gregg (Deakin) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Gregg defended the government's economic management, citing regulatory reforms and support for workforce training through free TAFE. Gregg argued that the opposition's migration policies would harm the economy and that the government was making necessary tough decisions to control inflation. Gregg stated that the government was focused on long-term economic stability rather than populist rhetoric.

Get updates like this by email

Opened by

Angus Taylor (Hume) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

10 speeches, 7 other contributors

Topics

Budget & Economy Cost of Living Immigration Tax

Debate Fiscal Policy Matter of Public Importance, 13 Oct 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living
Debate Consumer Protection General Debate, 12 Oct 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living
Question Time Senate Question Time 15 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living
Question Time Senate Question Time 14 Sep 2026 · Shared topics: Budget & Economy, Cost of Living

About House of Representatives debates

The House of Representatives debates bills, motions and matters of public importance in its main chamber. Members from all parties can take part, and the responsible minister usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.