Greens secure eight-week NDIS delay in trade for tax reform support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially opened a new gallery at the Australian War Memorial, addressing attendees with a call to “keep the flame of memory burning”. The ceremonial event underscores the institution’s role in preserving national history, occurring against a backdrop of significant legislative maneuvering in the Senate.

In a separate development, Greens Senator Nick McKim announced the party’s firm opposition to the Labor government’s proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms. Speaking on the ABC’s 7:30 program on Tuesday night, McKim stated the party is “absolutely committed to fighting this bill with every tool in our toolkit” and expressed a desire to see the legislation “killed”.

The delay was secured as part of a broader political exchange. The Greens agreed to support the government’s key budget tax reforms, which target negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, in return for an eight-week postponement in the passage of the NDIS bill. This leverage highlights the Greens’ pivotal position in the upper house during the current parliamentary term.

McKim confirmed that the eight-week window has already yielded some amendments designed to remove “the worst elements” of the proposed changes. However, he warned that if the period concludes without sufficient modifications, the party will move for further inquiries or additional delays.

The Greens argue that Labor’s reforms would cause tangible harm by withdrawing essential supports for disabled Australians and respite for their families. McKim described the changes as “punching down” on the very individuals the scheme is intended to protect, emphasising the loss of dignity and relief for those relying on the system.