Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. Senator Cormann, yesterday you ruled out any changes to the legislated Superannuation Guarantee, despite seven members of the government openly campaigning for them. Minister, do you stand by the answer you gave yesterday?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallagher, a supplementary question.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today there are reports in News Limited press that a further two government members, including former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, have joined the anti-super camp and are challenging the increase to the Superannuation Guarantee. Senator Paterson even directly contradicted government policy, despite your slap down, immediately after question time yesterday. Minister, can you guarantee that this group will not be successful in their campaign against super?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Firstly, I completely reject the premise of the question and the characterisation of the question. Secondly, the government's policy has not changed, as the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and I have now consistently stated. In fact, the policy is reflected in legislation.

Let me point out to the Senate that the question really is: what has happened to Labor's policy? They went to the last election proposing to increase taxes on Australians' retirement savings by more than $30 billion. Bill Shorten was preparing to put his hands into the pockets of Australians who have worked hard and were saving for their retirement. We don't know what Labor's position is in relation to that $30 billion tax hike. Does Mr Albanese still support the Shorten position of higher taxes on superannuation?

We went to the last election making very clear commitments. We stand by the commitments we made before the election. Our government's policy hasn't changed. (Time expired)

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Gallagher, a final supplementary question.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, with the open revolt and division of government members on full display, along with the Liberals' long record of opposition to superannuation, how can Australians trust the Morrison government to protect their retirement incomes?

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Liberal-National team is, of course, a very strong and united team which went to the last election with a clear agenda to build a stronger economy, create more jobs and, indeed, ensure that Australians can be safe and secure. If only there was a bit more division on the Labor side when it comes to protecting people's superannuation savings. If only there was a bit less unity on the Labor side behind this proposition that there should be higher taxes on everyone that moves across Australia. The truth is: if Labor had been successful at the last election, Australians saving for their retirement would be $30 billion worse off right now. It's to the great relief of Australians right around Australia saving for their retirement that the Labor Party was unsuccessful and that we have been successful, because taxes across Australia will be lower as a result, the economy will be stronger and, indeed, Australians will be safer and more secure.