Fiery exchanges yesterday, more expected today

Just another day, said no one in the House

Yesterday, the House officially kicked off fiery second-reading debates on Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 (aph.gov.au) and the Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 (aph.gov.au). Second reading debates on the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 (aph.gov.au) also continued without resolution. Question Time focused almost entirely on defence spending and the weekend's announcements on changed arrangements for AUKUS.

Alongside the debates, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced that more than 14 million Australians will receive an immediate additional tax cut of up to $268 starting July 1, 2026. This serves as an intermediate step before the broader $250 Working Australians Tax Offset and $1,000 standard work deduction take effect, if passed in their current form.

The Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister, Mathew Wale - in Canberra for his first bilateral visit since taking office - was received at Parliament House, though formal meetings were with government ministers rather than crossbench.

Today, the House continues its debates. In addition, the House Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water is holding it's next public hearing for its Inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling in Australia (aph.gov.au).

Budget Estimates will continue apace today, remembering that in session are the committees for:

• Community Affairs
• Econ
• Education and Employment
• Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade - Defence being the only focus today.

Forward this to colleagues if you haven't already - the context for what's happening is gaining more and more importance for everyday issues. Or, point them to (statekraft.au).

Until tomorrow.

— Mia