ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT
Australia has enjoyed decades of prosperity, but we’re now facing serious economic challenges and neither major party has been willing to tackle them head-on.
I’m committed to long-term thinking and responsible reform to ensure our economy works for everyone, now and into the future.
My Priorities
To strengthen Australia’s economic future, I’m focused on:
Tax reform – Our tax system must be fit for purpose in a changing world. We need to shift the burden away from working Australians and toward passive income.
Indexing tax brackets – This would prevent stealth tax increases and force governments to be transparent about new spending.
Boosting productivity – Through workplace relations simplification, innovation, education reform, and skilled migration.
Intergenerational fairness – Young Australians face unaffordable housing, student debt, and climate uncertainty. We must ensure they have the same opportunities as previous generations.
Responsible budgeting – Over time, revenue must match spending. Otherwise, we’re borrowing from future generations.
Decarbonising our economy – We need to ensure that we are exporting what our trading partners want, which will change as we move to a decarbonised world.
Delivered
In the last Parliament, only the crossbench was calling for tax reform. I spoke about it on 10 occasions, second only to Allegra Spender MP. I was pleased to see the Treasurer invite submissions on tax reform for the Economic Reform Roundtable at the beginning of the 48th Parliament – showing that the crossbench can change the national conversation and drive appetite for reform.
Advocated
Through parliamentary speeches or amendments, engaging with Ministers, Curtin submissions or media appearances, I’ve advocated for:
Broad tax reform – to prepare for the impact of anticipated demographic changes.
Productivity reforms - to ensure our ongoing prosperity in light of stalled productivity growth.
Amendments to limit excessive union powers and preserve workplace flexibility.
Opposing poorly designed tax changes, like taxing unrealised gains in superannuation.
Incentives for small business investment through asset write-offs and simplified compliance.
