‘PM’s ‘no carbon tax under a government I lead’ moment’
“If he weakens it will be Albo’s ‘no carbon tax under a government I lead’ moment.”
Craig cautioned:
“Scrapping a tax cut that you promised would proceed before the election and giving public servants a pay rise. Yes, that will go down very well.”
Gavin said:
“It isn’t support from the crossbenches Albanese should worry about. It’s support from voters.
He can ‘amend’ stage three if he wants. It will still be seen as breaking an election promise by voters.”
Thales from the darkside said:
“ … Australians are watching Labor like hawks on election promises, just waiting for another Gillard-type, no carbon tax repeat. Albanese went to the election with a number of statements, clearly recorded by the media, about what Labor would do if elected.
“To renege on any of those promises will confirm in many people’s minds that Labor still cannot be trusted with their election promises. The promised $275 dollar reduction in power costs was clearly a ruse just to gain votes, if anything, power prices are now set to go up by $275 dollars.”
Matthew was not amused:
“Ah so this was Albo’s plan. Same Labor plan as always – promise what you need to gain election and then reveal the real strategy once you’re there.”
John was harsh:
“Albanese, like Biden, hiding in the basement. As Ley says, ‘pathetic’.”
Ocka wondered:
“How are the miners in the Hunter feeling this morning? Coal fired power being shut down, no promised tax cuts, no future for families.”
Clark was cross:
“The third tier legislated tax cuts may well be ‘waved’ through by the Greens and the crossbench Mr Albanese BUT the voting public will regard the amendments as the SECOND double-cross by the ALP since being elected – (1) $275 annual electricity rebate; and (2) the ‘tax cuts’.
“Followed by the expected 3rd double-cross regarding franking credits! Mr Albanese you and your ALP ‘doublespeak’ cohort are behaving just as we have experienced and expected from previous ALP administrations – Keating ‘LAW law’; Gillard – ‘carbon tax’!”
Anthony’s analysis:
“Albanese would win support from the people who are screaming for an integrity commission if he goes back on his word re the tax cuts. Says it all really.”
Black Mirror reflected:
“ ‘The Treasurer and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher – in response to deteriorating global economic conditions’ ... the stage 3 tax cuts do not come into action until July 2024 so the current global economic conditions are not relevant.”
Howard’s end:
“To me it’s a no brainer. Cancel Stage 3 tax cuts.”
John said:
“The politicians egging on Labor to abandon the tax cuts aren’t the ones who will take the political pain for lying to the electorate. If Albanese caves, as he normally does, it will be an election gift for the Coalition. Albanese should ask Gillard about that.”
Unrepresented Canberran said:
“Surprise, surprise. The Greens are complicit in the breaking of election promises.”
Tony unpacked:
“I finally get it – Labor’s pre-election PLAN: throw a lot of unworked and unfunded ideas around, see which way the wind of popular opinion is blowing, take a break overseas, complain about inherited problems, and start again making a PLAN. American snake oil salesmen and carpetbaggers had nothing on this mob!”
Peter’s wife was peeved:
“The tax cuts will benefit 95pc of tax payers, not just higher income earners. Anthony Albanese constantly promised his government would keep these tax cuts before, during and after the election. Looks like his promises will mean nothing if he ditches them.”
Mary Mary Quite Contrary:
“The tax cuts won’t benefit anybody. They are an obscene money gift to those already doing fine. Typical right wing look after the well off at the expense of the poor policy. Just get rid of them or give them only to those on under 70 or 80 thousand so the ones most in need benefit.”
Nicole wondered:
“What kind of foolish government would at any point in the last 2 years even consider a tax cut? It never made any sense from a deficit perspective.”
Jessica said:
“With wage creep more middle class voters are hitting the top of the wage bracket and realising working to pay the government half of your pay isn’t as fun as it sounds. Yes those at the top of the bracket will get more than those at the bottom but there aren’t actually that many at the top.”
Tess reckoned:
“Economics 101 – give people more of their own money, keeps the economy going, spending at the retail, food and shops, keeps people in jobs. Take away that money people stop spending and people start to lose their jobs.
“Bracket creep for most people can put them in a tax bracket where they are worse off.
People on lower incomes should not have compulsory super as they will most likely be recipients of the pension. They need that money in their day to day lives.”
Gavin asked:
“What kind of foolish political party supports tax cuts in opposition, (by voting for them), promises to keep those tax cuts during the election, then very publicly considers repealing, or amending, them?
“It makes no sense from a political perspective. Because it is very clearly breaking a cast iron, oft repeated, election promise. It makes no sense economically. Because, if what we are hearing about economic conditions to come, cost of living will become ever more expensive. And removing something that reduce cost of living pressures makes no economic sense.
BUT, from an ideological perspective, it is justifiable. Because Labor loves tax. And hates cutting tax.
“Go for it I say. And see what happens in May 2025. Because a government that breaks TWO cast iron election promises, (not to repeal stage three, and to address cost of living pressures), is much more likely to be a one term government than a government that keeps its promises.”
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Brendan O’Neill reckoned authoritarianism is now well dressed, polite and quiet, with a dazzling smile, in the shape of woke queen Jacinda Ardern and her war on free speech. Sir Les said:
“Jacinda Ardern’s philosophy with respect to free speech seems to be based somewhat loosely in the old Voltaire adage: ‘I wholly disagree with you say and will fight to death to have you silenced.’”
Kerry was concerned:
“Freedom of speech must always be defended. That said, unless the average citizen becomes a civic citizen by informing themselves about the world and participating actively in their democracy, disinformation will continue to harm. Time to give up on social media echo rooms and stop your news feeds that keep telling you what you believe already.
“Democracy’s continued existence requires a certain standard of behaviour, informed behaviour. Educate yourself, talk to your local member and stop sitting on the sidelines complaining that you have no voice. We get the politicians and, once elected, government we deserve. Wokeism melts under the heat of reality.”
Mike disagreed:
“That is not ‘authoritarian’ ... She has a view. She has the right to express it. And we can agree or disagree. Isn’t that what our free society is all about?”
Hank harrumphed:
“Her view is that you shouldn’t be able to express yours.”
Squatter suggested:
“Jacinda Ardern is a carbon copy of Gillian Triggs. Wants to control what people think and say around the kitchen table.”
Kathleen concurred:
“This head-tilting woman is extremely dangerous in what she wants to apply. Her ‘free speech’ is always right, but she wants the right to declare the free speech of others to be invalid. Totalitarianism in a velvet glove.”
Praise from Julia:
“Brilliant writing from Brendan, thanking for shining a rare light on the revolting ideology of ‘sainted’ Jacinda.”
Rolf reckoned:
“Voters love the Arderns of this world. Logic is irrelevant. Electorate self harm has become endemic. Somehow the thrill excites the populace.”
Michael S was measured:
“I am no Ardern fan. She is a populist with few sound policy proposals. However, the general warning about mis- and disinformation is valid.”
Robert said:
“We now live in a period where true liberalism no longer defends itself because it has been subverted by a leftist agenda which stretches the idea of liberalism to giving freedom to forces that will act against liberalism.”
Ken’s doublethink:
“What would George Orwell make of it?
Diversity means conformity (with today’s approved doctrine)
Inclusion means exclusion (if you don’t agree, you are out)
Breaking down barriers means erecting new ones
Reconciliation means divisiveness (because it perpetuates differences)
Everyone is welcome (provided you don’t express a contrary opinion).”
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Highly respected historian and journalist Ross Fitzgerald struck a chord in his revelatory piece on his youthful struggles “as a suicidal alcoholic destined never to reach 26”. If not for a fateful encounter in 1969, he believes he might not have survived. Praise from Paule:
“A very insightful and great read. It takes a very strong person to overcome their own weaknesses.”
Steve set sail:
“ ‘Lo steering westward through life’s stormy surges’. Uplifting account Ross – good start to my day.”
Chris 50 confessed:
“It didn’t get me until much later in life but after 45 years of drinking it was finally out of control. Nine months sober now and doing well. As my doctor said, it’s a huge problem in society.”
Sympathy from Stewart:
“I enjoy alcohol (read premium wine) but I rarely overdo it and I am not a compulsive drinker and never gamble. I have never smoked. I feel disappointed for people who are addicted and I can imagine the constant pressures they are under and the constant grief they inflict on their loved ones. This real life story helped me understand addiction a little better. The light hearted reflections of the writer made me want to read an article I would not normally bother to read.”
Mia Famiglia said:
“It is so generous to be willing to share such stories. So many people can relate, unfortunately.”
Mrs added:
“Addiction is an evil thing, it’s a demon on your back that does not let go. Good on him for fighting the good fight and keeping it at bay, and whether you like it or not, only the power of God beats demons.”
Not necessarily, said NJ:
“Respectfully, I want to acknowledge that people do beat their addictions without religion. I am 15 years sober, one of the few who gave it one go and didn’t pick it up again. What worked for me was the science based learnings in rehab and 12 months of weekly clinical group therapy. After this I realised I just wanted a life without alcohol (physically & mentally) and the continual talking about it wasn’t allowing that to happen.
“Now I don’t miss it and rarely think about it. I found no comfort in AA (I only went a couple of times), largely because of the religious undertones to the program, yet I acknowledge it works for many and is often the only avenue available. It is important not to feel alone in recovery. I think they key is support and understanding, wherever you can find it.
I thought a while about posting this, but thought it worthwhile for anyone reading who was struggling with addiction and did not find AA or a faith based life the answer for them, to know that it isn’t the answer for everyone and you can get through it.”
Dorothy said:
“Inspirational! Is this a message to anyone who says ‘OMG I need a drink’? Thank you Professor Fitzgerald for your courage and honesty in sharing your story and to The Australian for printing this extract.”
The Chaotic Goat said:
“I was shocked on my last visit to Oz at the enormous amount of gambling and alcohol advertising! In Singapore and Japan there is no gambling advertising (except during CNY/EOY celebrations) and 1/10000th the amount of alcohol advertising. It’s disgusting!”
Said Susie:
“Lovely story, Ross. And God bless you! Such courage is very humbling. I had a brother who struggled with this demon from a very young age. ‘Management’ and love from those closest kept him ‘alive’ (if you could call it that) until he was 65 … but we could never get him to commit to AA, although did we try. So fortunate are those for whom it is a lifeline.”
Last word to Robyn:
“I’ve loved you since I first met you when I was the first ever science journalist at Griffith back in the 80s. You’ve a great heart to you Prof Fitzgerald, and an intuitive sharp mind, and long may you sustain the true thinkers of Australia.”
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Welcome to the column where you provide the content. Anthony Albanese is facing one of the first real tests of his leadership over whether to water down the promised stage three tax cuts. Crossbenchers indicated they’d support moves to backtrack but the PM was facing growing pressure inside his government to avoid a repeat of Julia Gillard’s broken carbon tax promise. Cindy_Stardust was scathing: