The Daily Telegraph editorial: Opposition Leader Michael Daley flounders when asked about policy

Michael Daley’s confusing response to questions about his proposed luxury car tax yesterday was concerning. We are only eight days from the NSW election, policies should be firmly locked in rather than merely being “looked at”.

The recent sad passing of television current affairs icon Mike Willesee gave everyone the opportunity to review Willesee’s stellar career.

Among many outstanding moments, one stood out: the time in 1993 Willesee cornered then-Liberal leader John Hewson on the details of his proposed goods and services tax.

“If I buy a birthday cake from a cake shop and GST is in place, do I pay more or less for that birthday cake?” Willesee asked.

Michael Daley faces the media yesterday. Picture: AAP

It was a simple enough question, but Hewson’s confusing response seemed to indicate that even he did not understand the full extent of his own tax.

“Good question, bad answer,” Hewson reflected this month.

Now, more than a quarter of a century later, another opposition leader vying for office on the strength of a new tax has also come undone.

State Labor Leader Michael Daley — who, like Hewson in 1993, is performing strongly in polls — wants to impose a luxury tax on vehicles costing more than $100,000.

John Hewson trying to explain the effect the GST would have on a birthday cake. Picture: Channel 9

Yesterday he was asked how this tax might impact upon farmers and truck drivers, whose work vehicles frequently retail in the six-figure bracket.

Daley did not seem to know, and told his questioners: “I’ll have to have a look at that.”

He also said Labor’s Shadow Treasurer would “circulate detail” about the tax, presumably to Daley himself, who appeared very much in need of it.

At least Hewson’s interview was a once-only catastrophe. Daley, however, later addressed the media for a second time. This time he confirmed that his tax would apply to prime movers but not tractors or mowers.

Warren Brown Michael Daley

NSW semi drivers might be amused to learn that in the eyes of the state Labor Leader they are behind the wheels of “luxury vehicles”, taxed at the same rate as Bentleys or Ferraris.

Right now we are only eight days from the NSW election. By this point, policies should be firmly locked in rather than merely being “looked at”.

Daley continues to speak in broad terms while voters are entitled to expect precision.

“I can tweak the policy and remove unfairness,” he said yesterday.

“I’ve said what we will do if we are in government, and there are now unforeseen consequences, we are finding them out and we will find other sources.”

Looking back, Hewson’s cake answer was better.

Joanne Tran will not be joining the climate change protest today. Picture: Dylan Robinson

JOANNE STANDS FOR REASON

Almost every major advance that has led to our prosperous, comfortable lives has some mining component to it.

Yet, many of the children ditching school today to protest about climate change will be carrying signs demonising mining.

Those signs will take particular aim at coal mining.

Teachers have successfully implanted in students’ heads the notion that coal — Australia’s greatest export revenue generator — is wicked. It takes a youngster of great clarity of mind to stand against a mass movement based on panic.

High school student Joanne Tran’s article in today’s The Daily Telegraph is essential reading.

BAIL’S BLOODTHIRSTY TOLL

Tafari Walton’s very recent record of violence should have kept him safely ­behind bars for a long time.

In 2015, he attempted an armed robbery at a pub in the Lake Macquarie suburb of ­Cardiff. In 2016, Walton was the focus of a several-hour armed siege at his mother’s house.

Gabriella Thompson was killed by Tafari Walton (inset), who was on bail.

Jailed in 2017 following ­multiple convictions, Walton caused further grief. Scheduled for release last December, parole was initially denied because Walton faced charges of affray and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But one month later a ­magistrate granted Walton bail.

That was in January. This week, 21-year-old Walton ­murdered his former partner Gabriella Thompson, the ­mother of his infant daughter.

Given Walton’s record, members of the public may wonder why this young criminal was given such a break. They might also wonder why he had only ­received such a surprisingly slight jail term in the first place.

Walton was shot dead by police on Wednesday after he lunged at them with a knife. He should have been in jail.

The Daily Telegraph, printed and published by the proprietor, Nationwide News Pty Ltd A.C.N. 008438828 of 2 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, at 26-52 Hume Highway, Chullora. Responsibility for election comment is taken by the Editor, Ben English.