Opened the debate
Henderson argued that the government had become secretive by proposing freedom of information laws that would charge fees and restrict access to documents. Henderson claimed this amounted to a truth tax that silenced whistleblowers and hid government advice. Henderson stated that the government refused to rule out a spare bedroom tax despite public outrage and economic concerns. Henderson cited reports that over 60 per cent of houses were occupied by one or two people while having multiple bedrooms. Henderson argued that such a tax would penalise older Australians and those with visitors or storage needs.