Matter of Public Importance

Taxation

Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on a motion of public importance moved by the Liberal Party criticising the government's tax agenda and spending. Liberal members argued that the reforms, resulting from a deal with the Greens, would harm housing supply, punish investors, and fail to address budget deficits. Labor members defended the measures as necessary for fairness and cost-of-living relief, highlighting tax cuts for workers and healthcare investments. The Greens argued that the government lacked political courage by failing to tax multinational gas profits while cutting support for disabled Australians. The motion was ultimately defeated in the Senate.

Outcome

The motion was not passed, with 22 votes against and 32 votes for.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Richard Colbeck (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Colbeck argued that the government's tax agenda was toxic and driven by broken promises, particularly regarding capital gains tax and negative gearing. Colbeck claimed the reforms would make it harder for young Australians to save for homes by increasing taxes on savings mechanisms and reducing housing construction by 35,000 units annually. Colbeck asserted that the government had abandoned its 2022 election commitments, including promises on power bills and cost of living, and was allowing Greens influence to dictate policy. Colbeck contended that the changes would increase rents and reduce housing stock, contradicting government claims of improving affordability.

Opposition response

Andrew Bragg (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Bragg argued that the public sentiment against the budget was strong, with many Australians feeling the country was heading in the wrong direction due to high debt and taxation. Bragg criticised the tax policy as a shambles, noting the collapse of previous proposals and the introduction of a minimum 30 per cent capital gains tax without rebalancing other taxes. Bragg claimed that while small investors and self-managed super funds would be impacted, APRA-regulated super funds would be protected due to government vested interests. Bragg concluded that the tax system would likely worsen rather than improve under the current administration.

Corinne Mulholland (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Mulholland opposed the motion, arguing that the Liberal Party had a history of proposing higher taxes and causing wage stagnation. Mulholland highlighted Labor's budget cuts for 14 million Australians, including permanent reductions in the lowest marginal tax rate, and the opening of 137 urgent care clinics. Mulholland noted improvements in bulk-billing rates and a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood educators, alongside extended paid parental leave. Mulholland criticised the opposition for opposing childcare subsidies and undermining support for working women.
Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens mixed

Hodgins-May argued that the government's toxicity lay in refusing to tax multinational gas corporations while cutting support for disabled Australians. Hodgins-May stated that billions in gas profits were leaving the country untaxed, whereas the NDIS was being reduced despite community demands for protection. Hodgins-May claimed the government was capitulating to right-wing parties and lobbyists rather than demonstrating political courage to tax vested interests. Hodgins-May urged the government to tax corporate super profits and ban gambling advertising instead of burdening vulnerable citizens.
Carol Brown (TAS) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Brown defended the government's tax cuts for 13 million Australians and reforms to help 75,000 first-home buyers, arguing the opposition was defending the status quo. Brown highlighted a $250 tax cut, a $1,000 instant deduction, and $3.8 billion in business tax relief, including protections for small businesses with turnovers below $10 million. Brown stated that negative gearing concessions would be directed to new homes from July 2027 to boost supply. Brown characterised the opposition's stance as a political stunt lacking serious economic ideas.
Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Kovacic argued that the government had a spending problem, citing the Reserve Bank of Australia's concerns, and claimed the deal with the Greens harmed young investors and small businesses. Kovacic asserted that industry super funds and global institutional investors retained tax concessions while individual investors were penalised. Kovacic criticised the government for protecting the CFMEU and failing to address corruption, contrasting this with the immediate impact of the tax changes. Kovacic contended that the reforms lacked outcomes for disabled Australians while punishing those saving for homes through shares.

Votes during this debate

Division 15: Taxation Not passed 22–32

Opened by

Richard Colbeck (TAS) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

6 speeches, 4 other contributors

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.