Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Greens will oppose the Abbott government’s “debt levy” on high-income earners in the Senate after leader Christine Milne won an internal stoush over the policy.
Without the support of Labor or the Greens, Mr Abbott will struggle to get the measure through either the current or new Senate. After July the Senate will be dominated by Clive Palmer's senators, who are likely to oppose any tax increases.
Fairfax Media revealed on Sunday that Senator Milne had angered some of her colleagues, and Greens supporters, by rejecting the temporary tax increase on Australians earning over $150,000 a year.
Following a Greens party room meeting on Monday, Senator Milne said the party opposed the levy because it was not a permanent increase in taxation on the wealthy.
Ms Milne said the increase was a smokescreen for an “ideological” attack on poor Australians through compulsory GP fees and a rise in the pension age.
“The fact is that Tony Abbott is trying to cover his permanent hit on the poor in Australia with this so-called temporary debt levy,” she said.
“It’s a temporary levy; we’re not going to support it.
“Long term structural adjustment is what is necessary. Come up with a marginal tax rate [increase] that’s permanent and that’s a different thing.”
Deputy Greens leader Adam Bandt said on the weekend the Greens would wait until the budget is delivered to decide a final position.
A senior Greens source told Fairfax Media: "Senator Milne's been out since day one saying she doesn't support [the tax], despite the fact it is Greens party policy.
"Her response hasn't gone down well with a number of key people in the party and the membership.
