Opening statement by Grattan CEO John Daley to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018, Wednesday 6 June

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The debate about the Turnbull Government’s proposed personal income tax cuts is dominated by myths. It’s a myth that bracket creep hurts high-income earners more than middle-income earners. It’s a myth that the tax system is ‘hitting the top’ just because more people are in a high tax bracket. It’s a myth that tax cuts are inherently ‘unfair’ just because they are bigger for high-income earners than low-income earners. And it’s a myth that Australia’s high top marginal tax rates materially affect people’s decisions about whether to work more or to live in Australia. In his opening statement to a Senate committee inquiry into the tax plan, Grattan CEO John Daley urged MPs not to play on these myths but instead to face facts and be honest with voters.