In a spirited session in Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced some Gen Z slang to criticise the opposition while promoting the government’s $17.1 billion tax cuts, which successfully passed through the lower house. Albanese specifically targeted Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear power proposal, labelling it an impractical plan that would burden taxpayers, asserting that it would necessitate cuts to essential services like education and healthcare. He quipped, “The only cut [Dutton] doesn’t want is a cut to people’s taxes.”
Expanding his critique of the Coalition’s policies, Albanese noted that they were “delulu with no solulu,” a phrase gaining traction among younger Australians, implying the opposition is delusional and lacking in solutions. This remark sparked laughter from Albanese’s supporters and interruptions from the opposition.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor expressed the Coalition’s firm opposition to the proposed tax cuts, affirming their decision during the vote. Although the bill passed in the House of Representatives, the opposition’s stance opens the door for the government to accuse them of neglecting much-needed cost-of-living relief, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers asserting that to oppose this legislation would be to contradict the needs of Australians.
The proposed tax cuts will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. Meanwhile, Dutton has indicated he will reveal his party’s alternative tax reform plans in an upcoming response speech, highlighting priorities such as relief from living costs, home ownership, and national security. He also suggested a tax policy to support small businesses with meal deductions and mentioned a potential referendum regarding the deportation of dual citizens convicted of serious crimes.
Dutton pledged to match Labor’s enhancements to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which would lower costs for many medications, and commit to an $8.5 billion boost for Medicare to extend bulk billing services. As the political landscape continues to evolve, both parties are positioning themselves amid the economic challenges faced by Australians.