Greens launch tax-cut and welfare package funded by higher gas and mining taxes
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What happened
The Greens announced a policy package on 27 October proposing a A$21-a-week tax cut for all taxpayers and a matching increase in welfare payments, funded through higher taxes on gas and mining. The launch was tied to David Shoebridge’s National Press Club appearance.
Why it matters
The proposal inserts a fresh fiscal offer into the federal political cycle and links household relief directly to higher resource-sector taxation. That creates a clearer contrast point for Labor, the Coalition and the Greens on tax, welfare and energy-linked revenue settings.
The Greens on 27 October launched a policy package ahead of Senator David Shoebridge’s National Press Club appearance that would cut tax by A$21 a week for all taxpayers and lift welfare payments by the same amount. The party said the package would be funded by heavier taxation of gas and mining companies. The announcement adds a new point of pressure on Labor from the left on cost-of-living policy and reopens debate on resource taxation as parties position for the next federal contest.
Watch for
National Press Club transcript or video publication on 2026-10-27 confirming David Shoebridge's funding mechanism and implementation detail for the tax and welfare package Australian Labor Party spokesperson statement by 2026-10-28 accepting, rejecting, or distinguishing the Greens proposal on tax cuts or welfare lifts Treasurer Jim Chalmers statement or media doorstop by 2026-10-29 on resource-tax changes, including any reference to gas or mining revenue offsets Minerals Council of Australia or APPEA/Australian Energy Producers statement by 2026-10-29 quantifying expected investment or jobs effects from the proposed tax changes