Taxation

Opened the debate

Cash argued that the recent tax legislation imposed a severe financial penalty on widows, divorcees, and domestic violence survivors, describing it as a disgrace. Cash cited a specific case of a domestic violence survivor unable to refinance and potentially forced to sell assets after 15 years of building them. Cash contended that the government had been warned about these impacts prior to legislation but ignored the advice. Cash urged the Senate to suspend standing orders to address this urgent matter immediately rather than waiting for standard procedures.

Government response

Gallagher stated that the government would not support suspending standing orders, noting that draft legislation addressing these issues was already released for consultation on 4 August and would close on 21 August. Gallagher explained that Treasury had consulted with major lenders, who confirmed they could account for the policy intent in lending decisions before the law passed. Gallagher argued that the opposition had previously opposed the tax reform and other support measures for women, suggesting the motion was a political stunt. Gallagher expressed confidence that the subsequent legislation would pass quickly once ready.

Opposition response

McKenzie supported the suspension motion, arguing that the government had knowingly ignored advice about the negative impacts on women and children during financial settlements. McKenzie claimed that the legislation would leave women economically worse off and potentially homeless after divorce. McKenzie urged the Greens to support the motion to help fix the government's legislative errors, asserting that no other business on the agenda was more urgent than protecting vulnerable Australians from economic detriment.