Malcolm Turnbull Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition
2:00 pm
My question is to the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to his confirmation that, despite the Henry tax review being underway, cabinet this year considered increasing income tax. Will the Treasurer reveal to the House what other secret tax increases or new taxes cabinet has under consideration ahead of the completion of the Henry tax review?
Wayne Swan Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer
The fear campaign from the opposition on tax follows their fear campaign on the bank guarantee and their fear campaign on the stimulus package and responsible borrowing. Of course, we have only had one question all week from the Leader of the Opposition and the shadow Treasurer.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training
Why don’t you rule it out?
Wayne Swan Lilley, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer
It has been the same question all week, and I have given the same answer because the government will not pre-empt the Henry review. It is an independent review and I am not getting into the daily habit of ruling things in or out.