Hume says Liberals would oppose any increase to capital gains tax
Jane Hume, the newly appointed Liberal deputy leader, was questioned about the specifics of the Liberal party’s policies moving forward but refrained from providing detailed information, stating she “won’t go into the intricacies of policies just after the change.”
However, she emphasized one clear stance:
All Liberals know that the Liberal party should always be and must always be a party of lower taxes.
Regarding the capital gains discount for property investment, Hume stated the party would oppose any increase.
If you tax residential housing, there will be less of it. That would be a disaster. No-one has yet come out change to capital gains tax on residential housing will create more houses or provide more opportunities, rental houses those that are yet to purchase their first home. That would be a disaster.
When asked about the possibility of taxing exports to increase revenue for services, Hume responded:
We are always open want to see taxes decreased. Energy is going to be a real important part of that conversation. Making sure we have energy abundance in increasing supply prices of energy.
Pressed further, she declined to elaborate, saying she was not going to be “making policy on the run on Sunday morning, 48 hours after I’ve become deputy leader.”
Lower taxes are better than higher taxes. They’re better for all Australians. But energy abundance is what is going to bring energy prices down.
“Abundance” appeared to be a key term in her remarks.
Hume says Liberals want ‘a lower number of people’ coming to Australia
On immigration, Hume indicated a future policy direction by describing current immigration policy as “out of control” and noted a mismatch between values.
A reset on immigration is profoundly important. We want to see a lower number of people come to our country, but we also want to raise the standards. What that looks like, I won’t get into the details today.
She added:
But I think all Australians know if you come here, coming to Australia, living in Australia is one of the greatest gifts that could ever be given to anybody. Which is why we want to make sure the people who do come here share our beliefs, share our respect for the rule of law and for democracy.
And if you don’t, then the door should be shut.
This stance aligns with broader messaging from Angus Taylor on , who emphasized culture war issues by demanding the prime minister condemn the use of the phrase “globalise the intifada” when questioned about his party’s policies.
Hume also suggested that any citizenship test should ensure new Australians to “core beliefs, to those freedoms, personal responsibility.”
Hume says Australia should not take ‘ideological approach’ to energy, says nuclear should still be part of energy mix
The discussion returned to energy policy and the climate crisis.
When asked directly whether the Liberal party needs a policy on climate change, Hume responded by discussing nuclear power:
If people were open-minded to the idea of lifting the moratorium on nuclear energy, which is a bill I brought forward as a backbencher so we can have a zero-emissions technology introduced into our country, as every other developed nation has either done or is in the process of doing, that would add to the energy abundance that would bring prices down.
Asked to clarify whether nuclear was the Coalition’s answer to climate change, Hume initially said that was not what was asked, but when pressed, she reiterated:
David, I’m not announcing policy 48 hours after having been elected deputy leader … before our first shadow cabinet meeting. But it is absolutely crazy to take an ideological approach towards energy because it’s energy that drives our economy. We want to see our economy flourish and thrive so that all Australians can see better days ahead.
When questioned whether the Coalition needs a climate change policy to win back seats held by teal independents, Hume said:
There is no doubt that caring for our environment, looking after our oceans, looking after our soil, looking after our water is profoundly important. And reducing emissions is a part of that, but it’s not the only thing that’s important to Australians.
What’s important to Australians is an opportunity that they can see to get ahead. That they can see to look after themselves, to look after their families, to restore that optimism to what it is that they do every single day.
Childcare system ‘not working for Australians’, Hume says
On childcare, Hume noted that the party has yet to meet following the leadership change but expressed her view that the current system is failing Australians due to rising costs that are “becoming so out of reach for every Australian.”
We want to make sure we have a system that not only makes sure families that want to return to the workplace and have their children cared for have that opportunity to do so, but they should also have a choice as to how they go about doing that.
However, Hume stated that subsidies are not the solution, adding:
I think Australians deserve a choice.
She continued:
Because we want all Australians, particularly women, to have that opportunity to participate fully in the economy, participate fully in society. And we also want to make sure we have quality childcare that makes sure our children have the best start in life, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a one size fits all approach that’s the way to deal with that.
'Something has to give' amid Liberals' current polling crisis, Hume says
Hume acknowledged the Coalition is facing an existential crisis after receiving its worst election result since 1944.
Something has to give. Australians are rightly aggrieved at the moment and you can see why they’re looking elsewhere because they weren’t finding answers in the messages and the policies and the positions we were taking.
She added:
That’s why there has been a change, that’s why Angus Taylor and I will lead team to the next election to make sure that we protect Australians’ standard of living, restore Australians’ standard of living and protect their way of life.
Speaking to David Speers on ABC Insiders, Hume was asked about the party’s new leadership team and its future direction.
When questioned about past mistakes, including opposing work-from-home arrangements and tax cuts, Hume defended the party’s actions:
Everybody makes mistakes and if you don’t go through a period of reflection about what you would have changed after an election loss, then you’re fooling yourself.
Australians asked us to do that reflection and that was writ large in the result. What’s important now is the future. What do Australians expect from a strong Coalition and a Liberal party that knows what it stands for, a Liberal party that speaks with conviction and not with convenience.
Taylor attacks Albanese for ‘refusing to condemn’ pro-Palestine protesters
Regarding recent protests in Sydney, Angus Taylor said he believed “people have the right to pray” but declined to criticize police actions, including the decision to move on a group of Muslim men engaged in prayer.
He criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for allegedly refusing to condemn the use of the phrase “globalise the intifada.” When asked about Grace Tame’s use of the phrase, Taylor suggested the issue begins with the prime minister.
I think what should happen is the prime minister should condemn it.
On the by-election triggered by the resignation of his predecessor, Sussan Ley, following the leadership spill, Taylor acknowledged the challenge but praised Ley as a “popular local member.”
I acknowledge her extraordinary service to the Liberal party.
More information about the Farrer by-election is available separately.
The Liberals’ new deputy leader Jane Hume was scheduled to speak to ABC Insiders host David Speers this morning. Earlier, Liberal leader Angus Taylor spoke to , followed by Trade Minister Don Farrell. Updates will continue.
Angus Taylor holds back on plans for frontbench, Liberals' relationship with One Nation
Newly appointed opposition leader Angus Taylor provided limited details about the composition of his shadow cabinet and the direction of the Liberal party under his leadership. He also called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn the use of the phrase “globalise the intifada.”
During an appearance on and Sunday morning programs, Taylor was repeatedly asked about the future of his party and internal challenges.
Regarding his frontbench, Taylor said:
I’m going to put great people into place but I’m not going to make any announcements on the morning show.
He added:
I know you’re going to try to drag out of me the frontbench announcements. I’m not going to make them.
When asked about the Coalition’s relationship with One Nation and the possibility of a preference deal with the far-right party, Taylor said:
My starting point with people who are thinking about or who have voted One Nation is to show them respect. They have made their decisions for a reason. We have to convince them we are a better alternative.
The party organisation decides on preferencing and that is not something we have thought on at this time.
Good morning
Welcome to another Sunday morning live blog.
The new Liberal leader, Angus Taylor, and his deputy, Jane Hume, are currently engaging with the media but have so far provided few details about the opposition frontbench. During his appearance, Taylor was repeatedly questioned about how he intends to reset the party’s direction and the nature of the Liberals’ relationship with One Nation; he indicated these matters remain unresolved. Further updates on the Liberal party’s developments will be provided shortly.
Meanwhile, Sydney’s Mardi Gras will hold its first major event on Sunday with Fair Day in Victoria Park, marking 48 years since the inaugural parade in 1978.
I’m Royce Kurmelovs and will be guiding you through the day’s coverage.
