Malcolm Turnbull plans to raise the idea of states’ access to income tax at this week’s COAG meeting. Dean Lewins/AAP

Turnbull’s reform pitch – state access to income tax

Just when we thought the tax debate was winding down to minimalism, as least as far as the federal government was concerned, Malcolm Turnbull has decided to throw a curveball. The government is preparing…
Many of the key differences between the Turnbull and Abbott administrations are in tone, emphasis, detail and priorities. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Who is right in the Abbott‑versus‑Turnbull policy wars?

“It’s very easy for me to campaign for the election of the Turnbull government,” Tony Abbott declared on Monday, because “fundamentally the Turnbull government is seeking election on the record of the…
It can correctly be said Malcolm Turnbull is putting a gun to the heads of the crossbench – but it can’t be claimed he is being devious. Rashida Yosufzai/AAP

Turnbull’s not being tricky – he’s just brandishing a six shooter

Malcolm Turnbull’s ultimatum to the Senate – pass the government’s industrial relations bills or face a double dissolution – is a confrontationist but canny strategy.
Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy Turnbull watch on during the FIRST Global Robotics Competition in Sydney on Saturday. Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Voters say Turnbull best to handle tax reform: Newspoll

Malcolm Turnbull is 20 points ahead of Bill Shorten as the leader more capable of managing tax reform in a Newspoll that has the Coalition slightly improving its two-party position.
The Productivity Commission last year recommended that Sunday penalty rates should be brought in line with those applying to Saturday. Evan Schwarten/AAP

Penalty rate cut will hurt economy without helping business: Labor

The federal opposition says that reducing penalty rates in the retail and hospitality sectors would widen the gender pay gap across the economy and hit consumption.
Cabinet Secretary Arthur Sinodinos outlines the case for a cut in the company tax rate. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Workers would benefit from lowering company tax: Sinodinos

Cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos has made a strong pitch for giving priority to a company tax cut in the coming budget as the best way to boost growth, with a significant flow on for workers.
Scott Morrison told a Melbourne business summit a path for lower personal and company tax could not all be done in one budget. Mal Fairclough/AAP

Morrison talks down personal income tax cuts

Treasurer Scott Morrison has moved to dampen expectations about the government’s ability to provide early personal income tax cuts.
Labor will not support moves to recall the Senate but Bill Shorten reaffirmed that Labor would not block supply. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Labor and Greens would try to frustrate double‑dissolution planning

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has said Labor would not support an early recall of the Senate, further complicating the situation if the government wants to call a double dissolution.

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