Chalmers denies Albanese overruled him on ATO credit card ban after PM says ‘I will get it done’
News Source
•Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:14:23 GMT
📰 What Happened
The tax office planned to ban people from paying tax debts by credit card. Businesses complained loudly about the plan. Treasurer Jim Chalmers then announced new funding so card payments can continue until the end of the financial year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later said he had stepped in after talking to a business leader. This came a day before the stopgap funding was announced. Some asked whether the PM had gone over his treasurer's head. Chalmers said no, and that the two men hold the same view.
🔍 The Backstory
Paying tax with a credit card lets people delay payment and earn reward points. The tax office worried about the cost and the risk of debt. Its ban would have hit small businesses that rely on cards. After an outcry, the government paused the change.
The mix-up about who acted first caused a political storm. It raised questions about how closely the PM and treasurer work together. The government is keen to move on.
🎯 Why It Matters
The rule affects how businesses and workers pay their tax bills. A sudden ban could have caused cash-flow problems. It shows how fast a small policy can become a big fight.
The tax office planned to ban people from paying tax debts by credit card. Businesses complained loudly about the plan. Treasurer Jim Chalmers then announced new funding so card payments can continue until the end of the financial year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese later said he had stepped in after talking to a business leader. This came a day before the stopgap funding was announced. Some asked whether the PM had gone over his treasurer's head. Chalmers said no, and that the two men hold the same view.
Paying tax with a credit card lets people delay payment and earn reward points. The tax office worried about the cost and the risk of debt. Its ban would have hit small businesses that rely on cards. After an outcry, the government paused the change.
The mix-up about who acted first caused a political storm. It raised questions about how closely the PM and treasurer work together. The government is keen to move on.
The rule affects how businesses and workers pay their tax bills. A sudden ban could have caused cash-flow problems. It shows how fast a small policy can become a big fight.