Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Labor puts politics before hungry Australians

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 15 November 2024   LABOR PUTS POLITICS BEFORE HUNGRY AUSTRALIANS   Labor has abandoned vulnerable households and the food relief charities supporting them as Christmas fast approaches. In a Senate Economics Committee report released today, the Albanese Government signalled it would reject proposed legislation incentivising food donations and reducing waste at a time when both are desperately needed. Labor’s ongoing cost of living crisis has resulted in more than 2 million – or 19 percent – of Australian households experiencing severe food insecurity during the past year. 82 percent of those households reported increased living expenses as a contributing factor. Meanwhile, more than 7.6 million tonnes of food, most of it fit for consumption, are dumped annually because it is cheaper than donating it. The Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024, introduced as a Private Senator’s Bill by Senator Dean Smith, offers tax offsets for expenses incurred through donations to food relief charities. In opposing it, Labor has ignored both years of advocacy for a food donation tax incentive and the recommendations of multiple Senate inquiries – including those run by its own committees. A letter of support for the tax incentive, signed by more than 60 food industry organisations and companies, was sent to Treasurer Jim Chalmers in March 2023. That letter remains unanswered. The Labor-led House Standing Committee on Agriculture recommended a food donation tax incentive in a report a full year ago and passage of the Bill is a recommendation of the Senate Cost of Living Committee’s final report, which was released today. Labor has not only failed to act but is blocking the efforts of those trying to. The Albanese Government’s position is at odds with the overwhelming support received from stakeholders and witnesses who appeared at a Canberra public hearing into the Bill last month, during which food relief charities and industry organisations stressed the urgency of delivering the tax incentive. They observed the “game-changer” potential of the Bill, and its ability to support struggling households, charities fighting to meet demand, and farmers and other primary producers battling Labor’s cost of doing business crisis. Some enhancements to the Bill were suggested by stakeholders and experts, including the Food Relief Sector and KPMG, who observed that definitions in the Bill excluded both potential donors and charities from being able to access its benefits, and that thresholds needed to be increased to reflect the high turnover but low profits of many farmers. To address this, the Coalition recommended in the report that these enhancements be seriously considered subject to budgetary implications. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of the major supermarkets using the tax incentive, despite both Coles and Woolworths confirming in writing that they would not. Given current public expectations regarding the supermarket sector, the Coalition still recommended an amendment to the Bill specifically excluding signatories to the Mandatory Food and Grocery Code, which will include the major supermarkets. Perhaps worst of all, Labor used the report to attack the charitable organisations it continues to slap in the face – expressing a view that the Bill “preferences” large food relief charities at the expense of others. The Coalition’s final recommendation in the report was for Labor, given it had rejected this opportunity to support those in need, finally introduce its own alternative policy to boost food donations and reduce dumping. Until that happens, Australians will continue to suffer under the Albanese Government. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The cost-of-living crisis that Labor has failed to address has caused pain across the community, with record food insecurity one of the most visible and urgent examples.” “Labor has shown its true colours in this report, revealing just how little it cares for Australian charities and the millions of people they are trying to feed.” “The Government has failed to act and now it blocks others from doing so, and it needs to explain to 2 million hungry Australians why it puts politics ahead of helping them.” ENDS

JMR – Howarth / Smith – Labor Still Cannot Explain CDR Hold Up

Media Releases

The Hon Luke Howarth MP Shadow Assistant Treasurer Shadow Minister for Financial Services Senator Dean Smith Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Liberal Senator for Western Australia JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 8 November 2024 LABOR STILL CANNOT EXPLAIN CDR HOLD UP The Coalition is urging Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones to progress the rollout of the Consumer Data Right (CDR) as quickly as possible. As well as finally delivering on this long-overdue commitment, it would make up for some of the precious time lost through Labor’s 14-month delay in legislating the competition reform. Under questioning from Senator Dean Smith during a Senate Estimates hearing in Canberra, Treasury officials confirmed that an important component of the CDR – consent and operational enhancement rules – have been drafted and delivered to the Assistant Treasurer for approval. However, it was also revealed that these rules remain on Mr Jones’ desk, with Treasury unable to move ahead with finalising them. Asked if the Assistant Treasurer would be dealing with these matters expeditiously, Senator Gallagher’s reply will give little comfort to frustrated stakeholders and consumers: “I can’t answer on behalf of him, but I would expect so. You know, that is his approach. He is a hard-working Minister with a lot on his plate.” The latest delay comes after legislation to support the CDR languished for fourteen months in the Senate without debate under Labor. It was only forced onto the Albanese Government’s legislative agenda in July 2024 after sustained Coalition pressure led by Shadow Assistant Treasurer Luke Howarth and Shadow Assistant Competition Minister Senator Dean Smith. Finally passed the following month, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Consumer Data Right) Bill 2022 paves the way for consumers to direct accredited representatives to make secure instructions on their behalf, including ordering payments, opening and closing accounts, switching providers and updating personal details. Senator Smith took the opportunity to query “why there was such a significant delay to the Bill being debated and then finally passed in the Senate?”. Senator Gallagher remarked only that “There is a lot of consideration is given to the legislative program.” Now, after presiding over another hold up that it cannot, or will not, explain – and with the Assistant Treasurer having assured guests at an event in August that Labor was prioritising the initiative and “backing the CDR” to be “the system of choice” – the go-slow continues. Questioned whether concerns related to the Privacy Act were contributing to the delays, Treasury officials said “It’s not affecting our current planning and delivery and commitment of this.” It prompted Senator Smith to ask what many impacted parties are also asking: “If that is the case, why is there still a delay?” The answer, once again, is the Albanese Government itself. With the next election less than six months away, the window of opportunity to implement these reforms in the current Parliament is rapidly closing. Labor will have failed to advance a bipartisan and universally endorsed competition measure that is desperately needed by Australian consumers and businesses in the cost of living crisis. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb released statistics on CDR usage for the first time last week, painting a clear picture of the strong demand for it across the country. It rests with the Assistant Treasurer to finally begin acting with the urgency the CDR deserves. ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Terror linked Australian charities investigated and antisemitism on the rise

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 8 November 2024   TERROR LINKED AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES INVESTIGATED AND ANTISEMITISM ON THE RISE Since the October 7 attacks last year, there have been eight investigations into Australian charities over concerns they are supporting terrorism. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission confirmed the investigations during a Senate Estimates hearing in Canberra last night. ACNC officials said a total of 146 complaints relating to 26 charities have been received since the conflict began – with 11 complaints related to terrorism or terrorism funding. Eight of those 11 complaints have been investigated, three of them now finalised and five ongoing. The ACNC took on notice whether the finalised investigations had resulted in action being taken against the charities involved. Questioning from Coalition Charities spokesman Senator Dean Smith revealed that while none of the charities investigated had specifically been accused of involvement in antisemitic activities, it has been a growing issue following October 7. “We had not had concerns raised around antisemitic behaviour prior to the conflict, that is a new area,” officials reported. The ACNC told the hearing that its existing protocols are capable of dealing with complaints or investigations regarding antisemitism, adding that it works holistically with other regulators to determine which is best placed to manage individual concerns. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “When I first requested data on complaints of terror-related activity by Australian charities in June, it was 51 – the fact that has now jumped to 146 is a clear indication this is a rapidly escalating issue.” “Australians rightly view the majority of our charity sector as doing an outstanding and credible job to support the community, so they will be confronted to hear that local charities are being investigated for alleged terror links.” “The ACNC’s confirmation that antisemitic behaviour has emerged as an issue since October 7 is proof of how serious and widespread this problem has become in Australian life.” “I urge everybody – and especially Labor and Assistant Charities Minister Andrew Leigh – to pay the closest attention to these serious issues for the sector.” ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – No Relief for Australian Shoppers This Christmas Holidays

Media Releases

SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 07 November 2024   NO RELIEF FOR AUSTRALIAN SHOPPERS THIS CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS There’ll be no price relief at the checkout this Christmas and summer holidays thanks to Labor’s go slow on supermarkets reform. Treasury officials confirmed during Senate Estimates that Albanese Government initiatives aimed at lowering grocery prices won’t be implemented until April 2025. Senator Smith requested a timeline for changes to the Food and Grocery Code and other recommendations of the Emerson Review agreed to by the Government. Officials confirmed a mandatory Food and Grocery Code would not come into force until 1 April 2025 – and that the anonymous complaints mechanism and new Code Supervisor would only be operational once the mandatory Code was implemented. They also confirmed consultation on Unit Pricing Code reforms announced by the Prime Minister on 2 October would not begin until the first quarter of next year, with the reforms themselves not expected until later in 2025. Despite the Government announcing in June that it would accept all recommendations of the Emerson Review, Treasury stated none of Labor’s various initiatives to improve competition and transparency in the Australian supermarket sector would be operational before April 2025. The result is that Australian consumers already battling the cost of living crisis are left exposed at what is traditionally one of the most expensive times of the year. As the Reserve Bank of Australia noted in its Statement on Monetary Policy released this week, “underlying inflation remains too high” and any reduction in food and grocery inflation has been brought on by “current demand conditions”. So as shoppers begin to spend more in preparation for the Festive Season, they are likely to face increased price pressure – all without any remedy from the Albanese Government and its stalled policies. Given Labor announced it would accept all recommendations of the Emerson Review in June this year, it will be almost 12 months before it is implemented. This makes no allowance for the upcoming election, which could be as early as March or late as May, and which risks blowing out the implementation date further still. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Labor is taking Australians for April fools with these delayed reforms, which are desperately needed now rather than April next year – if we even see them then.” “As Christmas approaches, with ample evidence of food stress and Australians doing it tough, the Albanese Government has left Australian shoppers without grocery price relief when they need it most.” “Contrast this to the Coalition’s clear, targeted policy to improve supermarket sector competition and deliver improved outcomes for both consumers and suppliers.” “Jim Chalmers, Andrew Leigh, and the entire Albanese Government must now explain to Australians why its Christmas gift to the nation is higher grocery prices.”   ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Labor Forced to Amend Employment Laws in Major Win for Charities

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 05 November 2024 LABOR FORCED TO AMEND EMPLOYMENT LAWS IN MAJOR WIN FOR CHARITIES The Albanese Government has folded to pressure from the Coalition and Australian charities sector, exempting charities from contracting requirements that would have made their future impossible – at least for now. Under the Fair Work Legislation Amendments (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022, staff on fixed-term contracts cannot have them extended more than once, meaning they either had to be employed on a permanent basis or leave the organisation. This was incompatible with the way many charities receive their funding, which is generally once a year, with staff employed on short-term contracts to reflect this. Appeals by negatively impacted charities and community organisations across the country, largely led by the Community Council of Australia, fell on typically deaf ears with Labor. It was characteristic of the Albanese Government’s inconsiderate approach to a sector which, despite employing 11 percent of Australians and supporting communities through the cost-of-living crisis, has been ignored and taken for granted under Labor. In response, Coalition Charities Spokesman Senator Dean Smith introduced a motion for an Order for the Production of Documents in July. It aimed to capture communications between the Fair Work Commission, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the ACNC and Labor Ministerial Offices. This forced then Minister Tony Burke to consult with the sector as he should have done from the outset, issuing a written acknowledgement of the unsustainable situation it had created for Australian charities and committing to deal with the sector’s concerns as a priority. Senator Smith deferred his motion on this basis, still prepared to utilise it if and when Labor failed to keep its word. The result of Labor’s negotiations with the sector is the Fair Work Amendment (Fixed Term Contracts – Exceptions Measures) Regulations 2024, which came into force late last week. The Regulations allow ACNC-registered charities whose funding runs for less than five years to align employment contracts with their funding windows, provided the staff member in question has been employed by the charity for less than seven years. However, the Regulations only last until 1 November 2025. Labor describes them as “transitional” and aimed at tiding the sector over until a longer-term solution can be found. The sector has already expressed a preference for the Regulations to be extended. The Coalition will continue to use every lever to force Labor to continue meaningful consultation with the sector on this key issue and – in the absence of a viable, ongoing solution being found – an extension of the Regulations so that charities can do their vital work well into the future.   Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury: “While it’s a relief to finally see some certainty for the charities sector, this is only temporary, and Labor cannot be allowed to forget that it has an ongoing responsibility to address the problem long-term.” “The fact we are in this situation at all says everything you need to know about Labor’s heavy handed IR agenda and its dismissiveness of Australian charities and community organisations.” “That Labor only started paying attention to the sector, which is helping Australians through the Government’s own cost of living crisis, after the threat of action being taken in the Senate, is totally unacceptable.” “The sector can be assured the Coalition will continue to back its interests until a workable outcome is achieved – both in the Senate and wherever else is necessary.” ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Labor Withholds Information From Not-For-Profits Inquiry

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 1 November 2024 LABOR WITHOLDS INFORMATION FROM NOT-FOR-PROFITS INQUIRY The Albanese Government sat on documents relating to its bungled implementation of tax reporting rules for not-for-profit organisations – deliberately denying a Senate Inquiry access to them. An Order for the Production of Documents, moved by Senator Dean Smith and agreed to by the Senate on 20 August, required the information – including correspondence between Assistant Charities Minister Andrew Leigh’s office, the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission – to be supplied by 10 September. Labor failed to comply until yesterday, the same day that the Senate Economics Committee was finalising its report following an Inquiry into the issue. This tactic prevented the Committee from considering the documents in its report and makes a mockery of the Albanese Government’s alleged commitment to both the future of the sector and Parliamentary transparency. The Inquiry, which held a public hearing in Canberra last week, was formed to investigate the roll-out of new tax obligations for non-charitable not-for-profits that require them to complete a tax return to retain their tax-exempt status. It was established by Senator Smith on behalf of the Coalition, following serious concerns raised by the sector about the Government’s flawed efforts to implement the policy. The Committee also learned through ATO evidence that Assistant Minister Leigh’s office had sought and received a verbal briefing on these matters on 14 March, followed up by written information. It means that Dr Leigh and his team fully understood both the poor progress of the roll-out and the challenges the sector was experiencing – and did nothing to address either. The Inquiry report, released today, found significant inconsistencies between the ATO and Government’s view of how the rollout and associated consultation has been performing and the almost overwhelmingly negative experiences of stakeholders. Of the estimated 155,000 not-for-profits affected, approximately 11,000 have so far lodged their tax return – or 7 percent. This falls dramatically short of the 83 percent target for the 2023-2024 financial year the ATO set itself for ordinary tax returns and betrays the information and logistical challenges faced by organisations in meeting the new requirements. The report also noted the significant administrative burden the changes are placing on what are often small, volunteer-run groups and that this burden is disproportionate to the potential tax risk they pose – all compounded by inconsistent advice provided by the ATO and ACNC. It makes six recommendations, including introducing thresholds to exclude smaller not-for-profits, extending the deadline for lodging returns beyond the current 31 March 2025, and that the ATO and ACNC do a better job of practically consulting with the sector and harmonise the advice being provided. Quotes attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “The report findings were damning enough of the Albanese Government before the revelation it had been withholding important information from the Inquiry – but Labor’s conduct over the past couple of days says everything about it wrong priorities.” “Thousands of small, community organisations are feeling unheard and under threat as they struggle with this bungled regulatory roll-out, and Andrew Leigh decides to play politics.” “The implementation of this policy, which has obviously moved away from its original intent, has clearly been a failure and Labor cannot ignore it any longer.” “I am hopeful that this is the wake-up call the Albanese Government needs and urge it to adopt the report’s recommendation in full.” “If it doesn’t, and outcomes for the sector do not improve, the ramifications for many Australian not-for-profits will be catastrophic – and the community will pay the price.” ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Urgent Support for Food Donation Bill While Labor Sits on Treasury Advice

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 22 October 2024 URGENT SUPPORT FOR FOOD DONATION BILL WHILE LABOR SITS ON TREASURY ADVICE Charities and industry bodies have described the need for a Bill incentivising food donations to hungry Australians as urgent and called on Federal Parliamentarians to put politics aside and back it. They appeared in Canberra this morning at a public hearing into the Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024. Introduced by Senator Dean Smith as a Private Senator’s Bill in July, the Bill features a tax incentive for companies that donate, rather than dump, excess food and is aimed at reducing both millions of tonnes of annual food wastage and pressure on food relief charities facing unprecedented demand. The Salvation Army’s Donna Fraser told the hearing “…people think the issues are real but lack urgency. It is very real and very urgent.” Questioned by Labor on the value of the Bill, Australian Food and Grocery Council CEO Tanya Barden said that “Parliament needs to take a good, hard look at itself” and described the Bill as “an easy win, an opportunity that should really have the support of all parties across the Parliament.” The Bill builds on a concept originally designed by Foodbank Australia, and which it and its partner organisations – Second Bite and OzHarvest – have long advocated for. Foodbank and AUSVEG, who also appeared today, stressed that many producers find it more economically viable to dump excess, but edible, food than harvest and transport it to a charity. CEO of Foodbank Brianna Casey described the tax incentive’s power to “shift the dynamic” in favour of food donation at a time where record numbers of Australians are experiencing food insecurity. KPMG tax experts, who economically modelled the original Foodbank concept, added their support for the Bill, recommending enhancements to capture donors operating as trusts or partnerships, and raising thresholds that reflect producers’ high turnover but low margins. Academics who had previously expressed reservations about the Bill both confirmed after hearing evidence from other witnesses that it now has their support. But Assistant Charities Minister Andrew Leigh was once again exposed for ignoring calls from the sector to progress this critical issue from the Government’s side. Even worse, it was revealed by Treasury officials that they had been requested by Labor to provide a comprehensive briefing on the Bill. It means that information that could further improve the Bill, or which Labor could –and should – use to draft and pass its own equivalent legislation, is gathering dust on Minister Leigh’s desk. Meanwhile, the charities he is meant to represent work overtime to support Australian households in crisis. The inquiry is due to publish its findings in a report in mid-November. ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Not For Profits Slam Dismissive Government Over Bungled Tax Regulation Rollout

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 22 October 2024 NOT FOR PROFITS SLAM DISMISSIVE GOVERNMENT OVER BUNGLED TAX REGULATION ROLLOUT Not for profit organisations have vented their frustration at the Australian Taxation Office and Labor’s implementation of new tax requirements, labelling the Government “dismissive” and “out of touch”. A Senate Economics References Committee inquiry into the issue, established by Senator Dean Smith, held a public hearing in Canberra today – with witnesses including the ATO, Australian Charities Not for Profits Commission, the Law Council of Australia, Community Council of Australia and representatives of negatively impacted not for profits. The regulations require non-charitable not for profits to lodge an annual return to confirm their tax exemption eligibility. Representatives of Agricultural Shows Australia, Stonnington Scottish Country Dancers and various Landcare Groups told the hearing how the administrative burden caused by poor implementation have put the survival of their much loved community organisations in jeopardy. Their volunteer office bearers were, at best, forced to seek professional advice and, at worst, considering winding up their operations. The Australian Multicultural Action Network noted the reliance on paper forms and lack of an accessible online portal, both characteristics of the ATO’s rollout, presented a difficult learning curve for new members. Very few agreed with the ATO’s claim that the burden will ease considerably in future years thanks to a form with pre-filled details, arguing the high volunteer turnover common in the sector will require most of the work to be updated annually. The Community Council of Australia said organisations had repeatedly told the Government how damaging failed implementation the new requirements would be, but their concerns went unheard. “You call that a consultation, I call that a dismissive approach to our sector”, CEO David Crosbie told ATO officials. It’s a broader sign of the Albanese Government’s negligent approach towards the not for profit sector, who it meets with but whose message it fails to understand and act upon. The hearing was told relevant Minister Andrew Leigh has so far ignored both a letter of concern from the Law Council of Australia and requested assurances by the Community Council of Australia. In bizarre contrast to evidence from the sector and peak bodies, the ATO highlighted various initiatives being taken to “simplify and streamline” the process, noting it was “proud” of progress so far. Senator Smith observed to ATO officials that there was “a complete misfit between what the not-for-profit sector is telling us … and what the ATO is doing”. Clearly, there is an unsustainable disconnect between the ATO’s perception of their responsiveness to the sector and the sector’s experience. It is incumbent on Andrew Leigh and the Albanese Government to address that disconnect. The Senate Inquiry is due to report at the end of this month. ENDS

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury – Media Release – Grocery Pain Confirmed by Senate Inquiry and Charity Report

Media Releases

SENATOR DEAN SMITH SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY SENATOR FOR WESTERN AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE 15 October 2024 GROCERY PAIN CONFIRMED BY SENATE INQUIRY AND CHARITY REPORT The Albanese Government’s failure to bring down grocery prices and the hardship it is causing Australian households dominated the recent Senate Cost of Living Committee hearing – and the evidence was today reinforced by the 2024 Foodbank Hunger Report. At the hearing in Canberra last week, Senator Dean Smith asked witnesses if any of the five major initiatives announced by Labor to reduce check-out costs would actually work. Labor policy failing or too late Those initiatives are the Emerson Review, ACCC Supermarkets inquiry, Merger Reforms, and changes to the Unit Pricing and Food and Grocery Codes, would have any material impact in reducing food and grocery prices. After a long pause, Coles and Woolworths representatives indicated they would work on reducing prices for consumers “irrespective of what the Government is proposing or not proposing”. It clearly indicated that the major supermarkets place little stock in the potential of Labor’s policies. ACCC and Treasury officials confirmed that the Albanese Government’s competition and consumer protection reforms are very far from implementation – with most not in place until late 2025 at the earliest. In fact, the ACCC noted that major competition issues, including persistent barriers to entry like high establishment costs and logistics arrangements, remain under-addressed by Labor’s proposals. This means that as shoppers approach the financially demanding Christmas holidays, they won’t be receiving any relief at the till from Labor’s policies. Turning to Unit Pricing and ‘shrinkflation’, Senator Smith referenced the example of a $4.50 box of Coles Brand Mighty Grain Cereal that contained 560g of cereal in October 2022, but only 495g in March 2024. Coles and Woolworths admitted shrinkflation is being noticed by customers, who are forced to pay more attention to unit-pricing to get maximum value from their weekly shop. And not only shoppers are suffering – Master Grocers, which represents independent grocers, said Labor’s proposed amendments to the Unit Pricing Code wrap smaller operators in red tape they are ill-equipped to manage during the cost-of-doing-business crisis. Foodbank Hunger Report 2024 It comes as Foodbank released its annual Hunger Report today, highlighting food security in Australia has now reached “a critical point”. The Report found 32 percent – or 3.4 million – Australian households experienced food insecurity this year, while the rate for low-income households was up to almost half, or 48 percent. Case studies note that the cost-of-living cris has seen the price of everything rise, while salaries have not and they are struggling desperately as a result. And the level of hardship is also more severe, with Foodbank reporting households are skipping meals, reducing portion sizes and even going days without eating. Critically, 2024 has been the first year in which many Australians have experienced food insecurity, with 74 percent of impacted households going hungry for the first during the last 12 months. The only conclusion is that the Albanese Government’s core supermarket price initiatives are either failing, or will be delivered too late, to ease pressure on Australian shoppers or small businesses – and that this is occurring as twin cost-of living and cost-of-doing-business crises are seeing record amounts of Australians unable to put food on the table. Comments attributable to Senator Dean Smith: “Labor’s five core proposals to deliver cost-of-living relief at the check-out are too little too late for shoppers or being shrugged off by stakeholders, with no material change to prices in sight.” “The Albanese Government’s changes to the Unit Pricing Code risk making business much harder for small grocers – not to mention their customers.” “Now the 2024 Hunger Report reveals nearly half of low-income households are food insecure, with the severity of that insecurity worse than ever.” “Yet again, Labor has dragged its heels in delivering policy with tangible outcomes that make life easier for consumers and Jim Chalmers and Andrew Leigh must explain why.” ENDS

Jmr – Howarth & Smith – Albanese Government Capitulates In Its War With Local Accountants And Bookkeepers

Media Releases

The Hon Luke Howarth MP Shadow Assistant Treasurer Shadow Minister for Financial Services Senator Dean Smith Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities, and Treasury MEDIA RELEASE 9 October 2024 ALBANESE GOVERNMENT CAPITULATES IN ITS WAR WITH LOCAL ACCOUNTANTS AND BOOKKEEPERS The Albanese Labor Government has relented on controversial new obligations it lobbed at Australia’s 72,000 tax practitioners in July. It should not take the threat of two disallowance motions, from both the Coalition and the Senate crossbench, to bring the Assistant Treasurer to the table to consult on regulation in good faith. After repeatedly dismissing outrage from tax practitioners and insisting the regulation was “a modest set of obligations”, the Assistant Treasurer capitulated and finally admitted the regulation was defective and that significant changes were required after a Senate vote on disallowance was negatived 31 votes to 31 votes last month. The Government has since scrambled to fix this botched regulation, with it continuing to be rewritten up until the eleventh-hour yesterday. With just hours before imminent disallowance, the Assistant Treasurer signed off on a new instrument and backed down at the last minute, once again. The Assistant Treasurer commenced public consultation, for a period of just five business days, eleven weeks after the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 was made law. This is bad government and not a standard tax practitioners and their professional bodies should accept. It is also more costly red tape for small businesses which will be passed on to their clients at a time they can least afford it. The rewrite makes minor improvements to the most contentious aspects of the regulation. Although this might make compliance slightly easier for large firms, small firms and individual practitioners will still be left with an unnecessary and burdensome compliance nightmare. These smaller tax practitioners remain distraught, disappointed and fed up with how the Government has treated them. They do not want this new red tape in any form and do not accept the Government’s last-ditch attempt to “fix” this flawed regulation. It’s too little, too late and only a Coalition Government would entirely reverse these regulations and unwind this attack on local accountants, bookkeepers and tax agents from Labor and the Greens. ENDS