Taylor issues ultimatum to PM over NDIS and widows' tax

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has presented Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with an ultimatum, stating the Coalition's support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) overhaul is contingent on the government abolishing the so-called 'widows' tax.' This tax, highlighted in May's budget, imposes less favorable tax treatment on inherited investment properties for surviving spouses, potentially removing access to negative gearing benefits.

Independent Senator David Pocock has been a vocal critic, arguing the tax disproportionately affects women. While the Labor government has acknowledged the issue and is consulting on potential changes, Taylor insists on immediate resolution. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Taylor declared, "The Coalition will only support the government's NDIS changes once this matter is resolved."

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The government should not proceed to a final vote on its proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme until it has repealed the 'widow tax'. The Coalition will only support the government's NDIS changes once this matter is resolved.

In a separate development, the government and the Coalition have reached a tentative agreement on gambling reforms. This deal includes the establishment of a "one-stop shop" where Australians can opt out of online wagering advertisements. Communications Minister Anika Wells indicated that the government's reforms would address concerns about marketing inducements and create the opt-out register.

While the gambling reforms are expected to pass with shadow cabinet backing, some Liberal party members are reportedly considering crossing the floor, believing the laws may not be sufficiently stringent. The details of these amendments were briefed to a Labor backbench committee and the Coalition shadow ministry on Monday evening.

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It is expected that the government's reforms will respond to these concerns by introducing new restrictions on inducement-based marketing and establishing the wagering advertising opt-out register, which will provide Australians with a one-stop shop to opt out of seeing wagering advertising on online platforms.