The assistant treasurer has stated that the Labor Party is not softening on proposed changes introducing a 30 per cent tax on discretionary trusts. He stated that the changes to the taxation of trusts had been sought by experts for decades.
Mulino stated that the changes had been sought in major reviews as far back as the 1970s, through the Howard, Henry and Abbott reviews. He added that polls show the Liberal Party at its lowest point, with the next election in 18 months.
Meanwhile, Angus Taylor stated that he is not ashamed of his pre-entry to federal parliament background. He said he is proud not to be a career politician, having previously turned around industries and businesses, and worked on a family farm. Taylor added that he entered politics relatively late.
Pauline Hanson called Taylor a 'smarmy management consultant' in her comments at CPAC. Taylor spoke to journalists at a local cafe this morning, where he dismissed the suggestion that GST should be increased. He stated he would welcome a former liberal treasurer back to the party if they chose to re-enter the race at the next election, with the words: 'I welcome any liberal who cares about the future of our nation, and I know Josh cares.'
In federal parliament, Andrew Wilkie, an independent member, will today introduce a proposal for a new Private Health Authority, with the second signatory being Dr Monique Ryan. The proposed regulator would sit within the health portfolio and oversee contracts between insurers, hospitals and doctors, monitor the finances of the sector and ensure that insurance practices protect the choices of patients.
The proposal was supported by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists. The president of the AMA, Dr Michael Bonning, stated that an independent arbiter is needed to correct outdated policies and remove the government from the 'conflict of interest role of regulator and policy maker'. The president of the ASO, Dr Peter Sumich, said the sector is currently following 'the law of the jungle' and accused insurance lobby groups of opposing oversight to push for American models. The only group opposing this is the private health insurance lobby.
David Chau will replace the retired Alan Kohler as the presenter of finance on the 7pm news. Kohler announced last month that he was retiring after 31 years at ABC, with his final financial segment to be broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7pm. Chau joined ABC as a digital producer in 2017, and began presenting financial reports on ABC News channel in 2019. He stated that he is 'honoured by the opportunity to continue the legacy of Alan Kohler'.
