Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the provisions of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Relief So Working Australians Keep More Of Their Money) Bill 2019 be referred to the Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 22 July 2019.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't think anybody would dispute that the Senate is this country's house of review. The Senate is this country's house of review, and our job is to thoroughly scrutinise legislation. I don't think anybody else in this place would dispute that this is the signature piece of legislation that will be brought before this 46th Parliament that involves very significant economic reform in this country. Regardless of what you think about the pros and cons of this tax package, this needs to go to an inquiry. The last time we had an inquiry on this package was well over a year ago. I also don't think that there's anyone in here, even Senator Cormann, who would dispute that our economy is sailing into some very strong headwinds at the moment. The situation has totally changed. The Senate needs to do its job. Send this off to committee. Thoroughly scrutinise this legislation. Call the experts. Put the facts on the table and let everyone in here make an informed decision rather than a political decision— (Time expired)

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a brief statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will oppose this motion. It's time for the Senate to get on with this legislation, to respect the verdict of the Australian people. Obviously, in the context of wanting to build a stronger and more resilient economy, lower income taxes for all hardworking Australians are very important. That is why we're calling on the Senate to get on with it and get this dealt with.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Whish-Wilson, be agreed to.