Robert Simms (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

The point I was making is that our concern is about those young people and Australians who are living overseas who are not aware of the change to the taxation regime. People plan their lives on the basis of this kind of legislation, and to expect Australians who are expats living overseas to follow the vagaries of Australian politics seems naive and out of step with the way that most people plan their lives. That is why the Australian Greens have been advocating for a different approach.

I find it ironic, in the extreme, that the Liberal and National parties would accuse the Greens of being a party that does not stand up for fairness in this place. It is ironic, indeed, when one considers the record of this Liberal-National government when it comes to budget cuts that target the most vulnerable in our community and a plan to increase HECS and increase the cost of living for each and every Australian through a great big new tax on everything. The Australian Greens are proud of the role that they play in advocating for fairness in this parliament, and certainly will not be lectured by the Liberal-National coalition, in that regard.

I have some questions for the minister. How will the government inform foreign residents of the changes to their compliance responsibilities under this bill?