Coalition's tax cuts package dominates discussion in the new Federal Parliament

Governor-General David Hurley addresses members of the House of Representatives and the Senate during the official opening of the 46th Federal Parliament.

Governor-General David Hurley addresses members of the House of Representatives and the Senate during the official opening of the 46th Federal Parliament. Source: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The government is keeping the pressure up on Labor to accept its income tax cuts package as is, while Labor insists on its amendments to the bill. With both sides having an equal number of votes in the senate, the future of the package might be decided by the crossbenchers.


With the government adn the Labor Party both trying to sway crossbenchers to their cause, Tasmanian senator, Jacqui Lambie might be the one who decides what happens next on the Coalition's proposed income tax cuts package.

The Coalition is up against Labor and the Greens, who combined, have 35 votes against the package. The same number as the coalition, putting the outcome of the debate on the hands of the 6 crossbenchers. 

The government has the support of senator Cory Bernardi and it appears it will also gain 2 votes from Centre Alliance. At the same time, the One Nation Party has said that it will not support the package, and it holds 2 votes. So it would seem it is up to Jacqui Lambie to make or break the tie. 

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