Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications and Digital Safety) | Hansard source

I first want to address an issue that was raised in previous contributions this morning: the very unfortunate reflection on some coalition senators who the government alleges are not interested in these bills, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 and the Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, because they're not listed to speak. I want to put on the record, very clearly, that Senator Liddle was granted leave yesterday because she is attending a funeral today. Senator Gallagher named Senator Liddle, casting an aspersion on her, because she's not listed to speak. That's a disgrace. Acting Deputy President Sterle, through you, I would ask the minister to return to the chamber to correct the record and apologise.

Senator Mulholland also made reflections on a number of coalition senators. She didn't name anyone. I expect more coalition senators will be speaking on these toxic bills. For someone as senior as Senator Gallagher to cast aspersions on Senator Liddle, knowing—or assuming that she knew—that the Senate granted Senator Liddle leave not to be here today because she's attending a very significant funeral, is absolutely beyond the pale. I am asking, through you, Acting Deputy President, Senator Gallagher to please return and apologise to Senator Liddle and correct her erroneous statements.

Mr Albanese and the Labor government can try to run, but they cannot hide from the Australian people. What we've just witnessed in this place is a dirty, rotten deal to sell out Australians. Labor deceived all Australians before the election, betrayed Australians on budget night and has now done a dangerous and dishonest deal with the Greens, which will mean toxic taxes on housing, savings, investment, small businesses and younger Australians. I want to have a look at some of some of these headlines. I won't hold them up, because that would be using a prop. Today the Herald Sun reads: 'CAVE-IN: Albo accused of'—the L word—'again after "dangerous deal" to fast-track controversial tax grab on Aussies. PM UNDER GREEN THUMB'.

The Australian says, 'LEFT-WING PARTY TO DEMAND MORE CONCESSIONS ON NDIS REFORM BILL'.