Stage Three tax cuts still under fire

The controversial, costly and regressive ‘Stage Three’ tax cuts, initiated by the Morrison government, have again been soundly criticised by Annerley Labor. The Branch has re-iterated its strong opposition to the implementation of the tax cuts, stating that they will result in Australia’s income tax system becoming ‘considerably less progressive’ and are also a ‘fundamental breach of Labor’s core commitment to a fairer tax system’.

In a resolution directed at Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, members have voices concerns that the tax cuts ‘will have a profound and long-lasting impact on Australia’s income inequality and turn Australia into a “flat tax” style economy’.

Of particular concern to many Labor members and supporters are that the changes will ‘deliver more than 70% of the benefit to the richest 20% of taxpayers’ and will limit the ability for the government to respond to spending challenges due to rising costs and the need to move the economy to net zero’.

Annerley Labor is, however, encouraging the Albanese Labor government to urgently consider alternatives that will provide tax relief to all income tax brackets and articulate a new comprehensive tax reform framework that will enshrine a demonstrable progressive income tax structure, eliminate inequities of the existing corporate tax system and address existing superannuation policy inequities.

Importantly members are keen to see any new tax regime facilitate a more accessible and affordable housing system; attaint and maintain higher income support payments; sustain a safety net for a restored and expanded Medicare system, the NDIS and aged care services; and guarantee adequate funding for our public education system.

Whistleblower McBride receives strong support

Australian veteran, David McBride, prosecuted by the Australian Government for his whistleblowing activities, has received strong support from Annerley Labor.

In a unanimous resolution passed by a recent general meeting, the Branch has condemned the controversial prosecution, calling on the Federal Labor government to commit to protecting whistleblowers, and offer a public apology to Mr McBride. Additionally, the members have expressed support for the exercise of a Royal Prerogative of Mercy by the granting of a free, absolute and unconditional pardon.

Annerley Labor believes that whistleblowing is fundamental to an open, accountable and transparent society and that the actions of the Australian government sends the wrong message about transparency, accountability and the importance of calling out wrongdoing by those in positions of power.

From 2014-2016, David McBride provided information to the ABC concerning alleged war crimes committed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. In 2017, the Afghan files was published by the ABC using the information leaked by McBride. This prompted the Australian Federal Police to raid the offices of the ABC in 2019.

The allegations involved Australian soldiers murdering innocent civilians, including children. These leaks were instrumental to bringing about the Brereton report and calls for reforming the culture that led to these atrocities. McBride had been warning the Australian Defence Force about the conduct of the war since 2014, however, no effective action was taken.

In 2018, McBride was charged with theft of Commonwealth property contrary to s 131(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 and, in 2019, charged with a further four offences: three of breaching s 73A (1) of the Defence Act 1903; and another of “unlawfully disclosing a Commonwealth document contrary to s 70(1) of the Crimes Act 1914”.

Mr McBride pleaded guilty on 17 November 2023, which came after Justice Mossop ruled that he would instruct the incoming jury that Mr McBride was not bound to act in the public interest under his oath of service, and that the government were allowed to claim public-interest immunity for documents McBride’s defence team sought to use. No appeal was allowed for either decision, and sentencing is set for early 2024.

The current Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus, has had a long-standing commitment to the protection of whistleblowers and was instrumental to bringing in the Public Interest Disclosure’s act. However, despite this commitment and record of protecting whistleblowers, Mr Dreyfus and the government did not drop the charges against Mr McBride.

To this day, Mr McBride is the only Australian soldier to be charged for actions taken in Afghanistan.

Branch spreads some festive cheer

Annerley Labor members again got behind this year’s Christmas Hamper Appeal, by donating a hefty basket of food items, in addition to $740 – which will help with the purchase of further items. The appeal is an annual project undertaken by members in support of Micah Projects, which distributes hundreds of food hampers to people in need in our community.

This year, ALP candidate for The Gabba Ward, Bec Mac, helped with the handover of the collected hamper items and funds to Micah Projects (pictured).

Micah Projects is located at West End and are a non-profit organisation that provides support for people experiencing adversity due to poverty, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, disability, and discrimination due to age, gender or sexual orientation.