House debates

Thursday, 24 May 2018

Questions without Notice

Taxation

2:59 pm

Photo of Cathy O'TooleCathy O'Toole (Herbert, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that last night every member of the government, including the member for Capricornia, voted against Labor's personal income tax plan that would give 60,000 people in Capricornia a tax cut of up to $928 a year—almost double the tax cut they'll get from the government? Why didn't this Prime Minister vote for lower taxes for 10 million Australians instead of giving an $80 billion tax cut to big business?

3:00 pm

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I'm sure the honourable member has advised all the businesses in her electorate that she, if she's part of a Labor government, will be putting up taxes on them in Townsville. There are plenty of businesses there that need every incentive. I wonder whether the honourable member has told some of the self-funded retirees in Townsville that she's going to come after their income as well?

Ms O'Toole interjecting

She says she has! Well, it will be very interesting. I'm sure the bulletin will be investigating that, to see how many people she's actually doorknocked and said: 'Hello. I'm here with Bill Shorten. We're here to raid your savings.'

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The Prime Minister will refer to members by their correct title.

Photo of Malcolm TurnbullMalcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

'Come in,' they say: 'Come in for a cup of tea. We've been waiting for this joyful moment'! Mr Speaker, the member for McMahon said they will have policies in this space and not in this space. This approach to politics is in a parallel universe. Australians know that their savings, their businesses and their jobs are threatened by the honourable member and her colleagues in the Labor Party.