As important independent lawmakers announce “we can reach an agreement” and the government is preparing to announce a major energy policy, the coalition party is at an important juncture to ensure that its 158 billion tax cuts are passed.
Central Alliance Senator Rex Patrick said the tax cuts could vote as soon as possible at the party’s meeting on Friday, and the government is working hard to improve a plan to reduce energy prices and limit total gas exports in exchange for the support of independent lawmakers.
The two Central Alliance senators have formed a unanimous voting agreement with Tasman Independent Member Jacqui Lambie.
Senator Lambie rejected the interview request, but the three were enough to allow the tax cuts to pass in the Senate without the support of the Labor Party.
“If you have to wait until next Wednesday or Tuesday, there is no problem,” Patrick said.
“We just need to make sure that nothing is wrong. There are no major obstacles, just small ones that need to be addressed.”
“I think we can get there.”
If the tax cuts pass most workers will receive an additional $1080 tax cut from July.
This policy will channel funds into the economy, which is facing domestic and international headwinds and has recorded the worst growth since the global financial crisis.
The government’s negotiations with independent lawmakers are led by Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Resources Minister Matt Canavan.
Canavan has proposed to the two independent members a series of proposals to reduce energy prices and increase natural gas reserves to avoid rising energy costs.
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