Federal Election 2022: Anthony Albanese grilled on tax hikes in Today interview

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has come under fire after failing to provide a straight answer when asked five times on Today.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has repeatedly refused to rule out increasing taxes on multinationals during a fiery clash with the Today’s Ally Langdon and Karl Stefanovic.

The Opposition leader was grilled on breakfast TV this morning after announcing a $2.5 billion plan for aged care about how he will pay for the spending.

“But you won’t increase taxes?” host Ally Langdon asked.

Mr Albanese said he had been “very clear” but did not directly answer the question.

“Albo, Albo, I don’t know if you’re answering the question. Is it a Yes or No?,” Stefanovic asked.

“We will be announcing our measure on multinational tax evasion,’’ Mr Albanese said.

The Labor leader was asked five times without giving a straight answer.

The ALP is preparing to unveil a new policy to force global companies to pay “their fair share of tax”.

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Karl Stefanovic asked three times if Anthony Albanese would raise taxes if elected Prime Minister, but failed to get a straight answer.=. Screen Grab: Today/Channel 9

In a clear sign he will unveil tougher tax rules, Mr Albanese named multinational companies as one group that could pay more tax.

“I think multinationals could do more, frankly, and that’s something that we’re looking at and we’ll have more to say about that between now and the next election,” Mr Albanese said in January.

“We’re looking at details and we’ll announce when we’ve finalised that regarding multinationals.”

But Mr Albanese has ruled out changes to negative gearing tax arrangements for investment properties.

”We are not doing anything on the other measures that were put forward in the last election campaign,’’ Mr Albanese told the Today show.

Labor and opposition leader Anthony Albanese delivers his budget reply speech on March 31, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

At the last election, the Prime Minister hammered Bill Shorten over claims he would impose $387 billion in higher taxes over a decade through changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, family trusts and franking credits.

Earlier, Deputy leader Richard Marles said Labor would not increase taxes.

“Well firstly, as I say, it is not going to mean higher taxes,” he said.

“As I say, we will be putting all our costings out before the next election but this needs to be a priority.

“This government has failed to provide dignity to people in their final years. And that’s what we need to have within our aged care system.”

Originally published as Federal Election 2022: Anthony Albanese grilled on tax hikes in Today interview