Labor leader Anthony Albanese calls for quick resolution of tax package debate

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has called for debate on the government’s tax package brought forward, saying it will be a critical test for Scott Morrison’s incoming team.

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese wants to bring forward debate on the Morrison government’s income tax cuts to Tuesday night given the urgency to lift the economy out of doldrums.

While parliament sits for the first time since the federal election two days earlier, the government’s $158 billion three-stage plan is not scheduled for debate until Thursday.

Mr Albanese sees this as a critical test for the government.

“We will facilitate debate of the government’s legislation even on Tuesday night,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“We’d be prepared for the parliament to return after the formal ceremonies at the governor-general’s residence in order to consider that legislation as long as there is proper debate and people are allowed to participate in it.”

Labor wants stage two of the tax cuts due in 2022 brought forward while those due in 2024/25 shelved for now.

“We want more tax cuts sooner because that’s what the economy needs and yet the government is refusing to shift its position and separate out stage three of the tax cuts that don’t come in until 2025,” the opposition leader said.

Senior Liberal senator Eric Abetz said both major parties went to the election with tax proposals — one was accepted, the other rejected.

“I think it might be time for the Labor party to acknowledge their’s was rejected, ours was accepted,” he told ABC television.

“It ought be given the green light in the parliament to give expression to the will of the Australian people as determined on May 18th.”