STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr TAYLOR (Hume—Leader of the Opposition) (13:58): There will be no widows tax—not because Labor wanted it gone but because the coalition forced Labor to axe it. It's been 98 days since Labor announced its widows tax. For 98 days, the government has been warned about the harm it would cause, and they promised to fix it.

For 98 days, Australians have been left waiting, and every day of delay has caused uncertainty for Australians who are facing the most difficult of circumstances. Yesterday I wrote to the PM and made our position crystal clear. We could not support the changes to the NDIS unless they axed the widows tax.

He caved, cleaning up the mess of his treasurer, and, after 98 days of delay, a tax that should never have been introduced will be axed. Widows, divorcees and victims of domestic violence should not be forced to pay the financial penalty of a government that cannot control its spending. Widows, divorcees and victims of domestic violence shouldn't have to pay for Labor's incompetence, but that's what happens when you get a government that is addicted to spending.

The widows tax is just one of a long list of toxic taxes. If Australians want them all axed, they need to axe this government. The SPEAKER: In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.