Manufacturing union says Australia's tax system is 'rigged' in bold manifesto ahead of Labor conference
News Source
β’Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:00:44 GMT
π° What Happened
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union has released a bold 32-page manifesto calling for big changes to the tax system. They want a new tax rate for the highest earners. They also propose wealth taxes, inheritance taxes, and taking more money from gas companies.
The union says the extra money could raise JobSeeker payments, make university free, and nationalise aged care. They call their plan a 'working-class instruction to the government'. The manifesto comes just before Labor's national conference in Adelaide.
π The Backstory
The union describes Australia's tax system as 'rigged' against ordinary workers. Their ideas go far beyond what the Albanese government would likely accept. The manifesto has not been costed, meaning no one has added up exactly how much it would raise or spend.
Still, the plan sets the stage for debate at Labor's national conference this week. Party members, MPs, and unions will discuss what direction the government should take. The union wants to push Labor further to the left on economic questions.
π― Why It Matters
Tax policy affects every Australian. Debates about taxing the rich more and making education free shape the kind of country Australia becomes. These ideas could influence future election campaigns.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union has released a bold 32-page manifesto calling for big changes to the tax system. They want a new tax rate for the highest earners. They also propose wealth taxes, inheritance taxes, and taking more money from gas companies.
The union says the extra money could raise JobSeeker payments, make university free, and nationalise aged care. They call their plan a 'working-class instruction to the government'. The manifesto comes just before Labor's national conference in Adelaide.
The union describes Australia's tax system as 'rigged' against ordinary workers. Their ideas go far beyond what the Albanese government would likely accept. The manifesto has not been costed, meaning no one has added up exactly how much it would raise or spend.
Still, the plan sets the stage for debate at Labor's national conference this week. Party members, MPs, and unions will discuss what direction the government should take. The union wants to push Labor further to the left on economic questions.
Tax policy affects every Australian. Debates about taxing the rich more and making education free shape the kind of country Australia becomes. These ideas could influence future election campaigns.