Shadow housing minister Andrew Bragg is out here proposing ideas that make his party's official platform look like a timid suggestion box. His big ask? Slash the top tax bracket from 47% to something starting with a three. 'Top tax brackets are too high and should have a three in front of them, just as they are for small businesses,' he declared, presumably while sketching a utopia where Afterpay and Canva are born on every corner. 'We need to get to a flatter tax system for all people and all businesses, otherwise we can forget about getting the next Afterpay or Canva here in Australia.'
But wait, there's more! He's also promising to trim the national construction code from a hefty 2,000 pages down to a lean 80, making only structural, fire safety, and health requirements compulsory. 'The house won't be gold-plated but it won't fall down,' he quipped. Somehow, we feel the minimum standard for a new home shouldn't merely be 'not collapsing,' but what do we know? The Australian Council of Social Service is 'deeply concerned,' with CEO Cassandra Goldie noting that 'Homes that are freezing in winter, dangerously hot in summer, or inaccessible to older people and people with disability are simply not safe.' She added that stripping energy efficiency would 'lock people into higher power bills for decades' and 'deepen inequality.' But hey, at least they won't fall down.
On migration, Bragg wants net overseas migration cut to 180,000 a year over four years - a number no one else in his party has endorsed. Asked if he's freelancing, he admitted it's not official policy but insisted he's 'moving the debate on.' The cuts would come from fewer international students, working holiday makers, and unskilled workers. Because nothing says 'radical centre' like slamming the door on backpackers.
And in a move that will surely endear him to the tech lobby, Bragg wants multinationals to pay more tax. He's eyeing intellectual property allowances, grumbling, 'I'm not a Communist but [how] can you have companies generate so many billions in revenue and transfer the whole thing to Singapore and Ireland?' He suggests lowering the allowance for IP and ensuring a chunk of revenue is taxed locally. 'What's the point of being in politics if you're not having any fights?' he asked, adding that Australia is 'stronger than Netflix or Facebook' and can dictate terms. Thirty-odd billion dollars and only a handful of tax - he thinks it's not fair. We're not sure if 'fair' is the word, but we appreciate the spirit.
In a candid moment at the press club, Bragg acknowledged the public's disillusionment: 'Australian politics is now fragmented. I understand that people are over the two-party system and it's a tough ask to say to Australians 'we buggered it up but please vote for us again'.' He even confessed, 'As someone who was a backbencher in the [Scott] Morrison government, I wish I'd done more to stop the madness.' The madness, he says, started when the budget gave up on fiscal restraint. His solution? Occupy the 'radical centre' - a place where small businesses, salary earners, and ambitious families thrive, presumably with three-percent tax brackets and structurally sound houses.
Meanwhile, in other news, the case against Naveed Akram for his alleged role in the Bondi terror attack has expanded. Commonwealth prosecutor Danielle New told the Downing Centre local court on Wednesday that the brief now includes 12 additional electronic devices, an improvised explosive device testing report, statements from protected witnesses, data from seven other devices, extensive medical records, and 800 witness statements. Judge Hugh Donnelly approved a two-month extension, noting the 'significant matter' is moving 'steadily.' The brief is expected to be served on 28 October. Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, allegedly killed 15 people at a Hanukah festival on 14 December. Akram faces 78 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act allegedly 'inspired by Isis.' He's yet to enter a plea.
Back at the NSW Icac's Operation Rosny, witness Jeremy Greenwood had a rough day. Questioned about payments from Catholic Schools NSW to his company JPG Advisory, Greenwood admitted that his 'best mate' Jean-Claude Perrottet did no consulting work but sent invoices anyway. When asked if the invoices were 'fake,' Greenwood said he'd have 'no issue' with that, even if it said 'he bought a flamingo off me.' Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer SC asked if he'd claim tax on a flamingo invoice, to which Greenwood apologized for the phrase. Commissioner Fabian Gleeson SC had to reprimand Greenwood for making comments to someone in the room: 'You need to be respectful... You do not direct comments to other people sitting in this room.' Greenwood apologized but complained about 'having faces pulled at me.' It's all very professional.