Richard Colbeck Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health
2:00 pm
My question is to Senator Conroy, the Minister representing the Treasurer. I refer to my question yesterday about the government’s legislation to validate its $3.1 billion midnight RTD tax grab which came into operation in April. Is the minister now able to confirm whether drafting instructions have been issued for this legislation and when the validating legislation might be introduced into the parliament?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
I do not think I have received an update yet from the Treasurer. I am happy to get it and give you the answer before the end of question time.
Richard Colbeck Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health
Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Given that the government does not seem to be aware of where it is at with respect to this legislation—and particularly noting the question from Senator Polley to the leader yesterday about the opposition withholding government tax measures—doesn’t this indicate that its claims in respect of this are in fact false and dishonest?
Stephen Conroy Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
I am not sure that the premise of your question has any basis but I will get any information and get back to you as fast as I can.