Pauline Hanson delivers her sharpest critique of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s federal budget yet, labeling it a ‘sh*t sandwich’ that Australians must endure. She unveils One Nation’s economic blueprint, spotlighting income-splitting for families raising children.
Income-Splitting Tax Reform
The core of One Nation’s plan allows couples to pool their earnings and divide them equally for tax calculations. This targets single-income or uneven-earning households, reducing their tax burden amid pressures forcing both parents to work.
“Income splitting means those people who stay home with their children aren’t penalised,” Hanson states. “Why should we force parents into a system where both have to work just to make ends meet?”
One Nation calculates a single $120,000 earner could save around $9,500 annually by taxing as two $60,000 incomes. Couples with $120,000 and $30,000 incomes might gain about $2,000 yearly. The policy aims to lessen dependence on subsidized childcare and promote parental involvement.
“Families, mums and dads want that time with their young children,” Hanson adds. “Why shouldn’t we encourage that? Stop this mentality of telling people to put their kids into childcare. Don’t do that to your children.”
These remarks counter Finance Minister Katy Gallagher’s push for childcare to increase workforce participation.
Scathing Budget Attack
Hanson condemns the budget’s changes to negative gearing—limited to new builds—and capital gains tax adjustments. “They’ve delivered a sh*t sandwich, and we’ve now got to eat it,” she declares.
Housing and Cost-of-Living Measures
One Nation prioritizes housing relief by eliminating GST on new home constructions up to $1 million for five years. “New builds up to a million dollars, cut your GST out,” Hanson proposes. “That’s going to help people actually afford to build a home again.”
This targets cost reductions, supply boosts, and support for tradespeople facing rising expenses.
Broader relief includes slashing electricity and fuel prices, cutting healthcare costs, and abolishing the beer excise. Hanson also seeks relaxed work rules for pensioners, permitting unlimited earnings without benefit cuts.
“Give pensioners the right to work,” she urges. “Why throw them on the scrap heap? Let them work unlimited hours without affecting their pension or healthcare. We can utilise their experience and knowledge.”
Party’s Policy Pivot and Momentum
One Nation sharpens its economic focus amid rising popularity, including strong South Australian results and a recent Farrer byelection win. The shift emphasizes detailed policies over past cultural debates.
Hanson backs a gas export tax, aligning with Senator David Pocock’s campaign despite government opposition, to attract disaffected Labor voters. She accuses Opposition Leader Angus Taylor of lacking vision and copying her ideas: “I am the only one who has been speaking about vision for the future, I have been consistent for the past 30 years.”
The Coalition’s budget reply, due Thursday night, pledges linking migration to housing, migrant welfare cuts, and blocking capital gains and negative gearing reforms.
