Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino has stated that the Labor Party is not softening its proposed changes to introduce a minimum 30 per cent tax on discretionary trusts. Mulino highlighted that experts have been calling for changes to trust taxation for decades.
Mulino added that polls show the Liberal Party at its lowest level ever, with the next election coming in 18 months. His comments come as the Liberal Party is once again debating the return of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
The publication of Josh Frydenberg’s book this week has reignited speculation that the former Liberal treasurer could run again in his former electorate of Kooyong in Melbourne. Monique Ryan, the independent member who won Kooyong from Frydenberg in 2022, stated she is 'not concerned' by these speculations. Ryan reminded that Frydenberg was the member for Kooyong for 12 years and that in 2022 the community rejected him due to frustration with his inability to influence changes in government climate policy. She added that people were dissatisfied with his economic management and very unhappy with the way he 'hit Victoria' during the covid years. According to her, Frydenberg says he wants to be prime minister, but does not say much about Kooyong.
Angus Taylor stated that he rejects Frydenberg’s proposal to increase the GST, but would welcome the return of the former Liberal treasurer to the party if he decides to run again at the next election. Taylor added that he welcomes any Liberal who cares about the nation’s future to 'contribute' in the coming months to remove the Labor government. Dave Sharma, Liberal senator for NSW, stated that Frydenberg is a friend, a talented and competent politician, and was a great member of the Liberal Party, but supported Angus Taylor as leader. Dan Tehan, Liberal frontbencher, stated he would welcome the removal of Monique Ryan from her position in the electorate, adding, 'Absolutely, go ahead.'
In separate remarks, Julian Leeser stated that universities were debating the definition of antisemitism instead of acting. Leeser called on the government to support legislation that would require universities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The government stated it has adopted the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. Leeser said in the House that the bill is a 'circuit breaker', and the legislation would also require universities to prevent, combat, and respond to antisemitism.
Josh Frydenberg told 60 Minutes that he is not closing the door on the desire to one day become prime minister, and that the Liberal Party faces an existential threat and must change.
