Independent senator Tyrrell joins Labor as Albanese taunts opposition over budget reply
Independent Australian senator Tammy Tyrrell has crossed the floor and joined the Labor caucus. Prime minister Anthony Albanese taunted opposition treasury spokesman Angus Taylor over his budget reply, continuing the row over tax policy.
Australia's former Jacqui Lambie Network senator Tammy Tyrrell has joined the federal Labor caucus. The move came in the middle of budget debate in Canberra. Prime minister Anthony Albanese announced her shift from the chamber, highlighting the change in Labor's Senate arithmetic.
The opposition has been sharply critical of the government's planned changes to capital gains and negative gearing. Treasury spokesman Angus Taylor used his budget reply to challenge the government on housing, taxation and energy. Albanese accused Taylor of being preoccupied with internal leadership calculations.
The fiscal calendar will see major Senate votes at the end of May. Labor's measures still depend on independent senators and the Greens to pass. Tyrrell's switch could ease the path for parts of the government's agenda.
More from Australia-Pacific
Air New Zealand cuts 5% of flights as job losses loom
New Zealand's flag carrier Air New Zealand will cancel 5% of its domestic and regional flights, citing the impact of jet fuel costs. The airline says it will reassess capacity once fuel pressures ease.
New Zealand natural gas reserves decline to lowest level in 20 years
New Zealand's proven natural-gas reserves have fallen to their lowest level in 20 years, RNZ reported. The decline of a fuel critical for industry and electricity raises new questions over prices and climate policy.
Coalition to propose permanent end to tax bracket creep in Australia
Australia's opposition Coalition will propose automatically indexing income-tax brackets to inflation, ABC News reported. The change would offer a permanent fix to 'bracket creep,' which pushes taxpayers into higher bands as wages chase inflation.