Senator slams Angus Taylor over 'breathtaking' failure as shadow treasurer ahead of Liberal leadership contest
Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes has issued a brutal assessment of Angus Taylor ahead of Tuesday's Liberal leadership vote, accusing him of a 'breathtaking' failure campaign against the Albanese government's 'inheritance tax' by stealth.
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor is set to face off against deputy leader Sussan Ley when the depleted Liberal partyroom meets on Tuesday.
Speaking to Sky News Australia on Monday, Senator Hollie Hughes firmly endorsed Ms Ley for the position, before unleashing on Mr Taylor's record in the previous term of government and stating it "beggars belief" he thought he deserved to be leader.
'Angus Taylor shouldn't be leader. He was shadow treasurer, yet we had zero economic narrative,' Ms Hughes said.
"I mean, this is the guy who tried to take the Liberal Party to the election opposing tax cuts. I mean, seriously.'
Ms Hughes particularly highlighted the Coalition's failure to run a campaign against the Albanese government's tax on unrealised capital gains in superannuation funds worth more than $3 million as a major failure.
'The fact that he wasn't able to prosecute a case on unrealised gains is breathtaking… this is an inheritance tax that's coming down the barrel at a rate of knots.'
'People talk about the bank of mum and dad; the Bank of mum and dad might be severely depleted for the next generation, because they didn't understand what the Labor government wants to do when their parents want to pass on the house.'
Ms Hughes said she would be 'heavily endorsing' Susan Ley for the role of leader, before taking more veiled swipes at Mr Taylor.
'I think not only has she got an enormous amount of life experience that she can bring into the role that will help her expand our base, not just try and appeal to a very narrow sliver of the base,' she said.
'This is a woman with a Master's of tax law, a Master's of accounting, as well as a degree in economics.
Ms Hughes is set to depart federal politics at the end of June after she was relegated to an unwinnable spot on the Coalition's NSW Senate ticket in favour of her Senate colleague Andrew Bragg and Lowy Institute research fellow Jessica Collins – who is aligned to the party's conservative faction and was endorsed by Mr Taylor.
Ms Hughes said that she was 'knifed at the hands of … Angus Taylor', but she had remained loyal to the Liberal Party because she wanted what was best for the country.
'I have firmly said that I believe Angus Taylor had a very big hand in that, and I said it a year ago,' Ms Hughes said.
'But I, for a year ... have absolutely done everything I could to support the Liberal Party, because I do believe we are a party of government and a party that will be better for the Australian people.'
In contrast, Ms Hughes said the shadow treasurer was only interested in his "own ambition".
Ms Hughes then attacked Mr Taylor's decision to run on a ticket with Jacinta Price, stating that while she had 'all the respect of the world for Jacinta,' the Northern Territory senator, had only just joined the Liberal partyroom.
'To me, it feels like turning up to an RSL Club with a membership form and then saying, 'by the way, I'm going to run to the board and I want to be president'. You know, it just wouldn't work that way,' Ms Hughes said.
'I think Angus Taylor has insulted not only every liberal woman, but every Liberal Party member in the parliamentary team by saying 'look, none of you are quite up to the job, I've had to go and recruit someone else'.
'I find it completely offensive. There's plenty of talent in Liberal team.'
The outgoing Senator also poured cold water on talk of Tim Wilson running for the leadership, suggesting he should start by running for Deputy Leader.
'I think Tim's great. I've known Tim long before either of us were in Parliament … Tim is not someone without talent,' she said.
'I'm just not quite sure turning back up after three years out of the parliamentary room is the right thing to come in and say, 'hey, hand over the leadership'.'
Ms Hughes said the Goldstein MP, who has said he will wait until after the national Party vote on Monday to declare whether he will contest the Liberal leadership, 'might be a little bit late to the party'.
'If people are hitting the phones today, they've probably missed the boat just a little bit,' she said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
22 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
One in three Australian men report using emotional or physical violence
More than one in three Australian men admit to having used emotional or physical violence against their partners, according to a world-first study. The alarming results are an increase from one in four men 10 years ago, with federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek calling it a 'trend ... going in the wrong direction'. 'That equates to about 120,000 extra men every year in Australia using violence for the first time in intimate relationships,' she said. The Australian Institute of Family Studies' Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health — the largest study of its kind in the world — surveyed about 16,000 men aged 18 to 65 in 2013-2014 and again in 2023-2024, with a further 10,000 individuals added to the database in the second survey. It asked questions including whether participants had ever behaved in a manner that had made a partner feel frightened or anxious, or had ever hit, slapped, kicked or otherwise physically hurt a partner when angry. By the second study, 35 per cent of participants answered yes to one or both of those questions compared with 24 per cent in the first survey. About 9 per cent of those involved in the second survey admitted to physically abusing their partner. Plibersek said the study results were concerning. 'It looks at a large cohort of men over a long period of time and, what the research shows is that over about a decade, between the first report and the second report, the number of men who have ever used violence has increased from one in four to one in three,' Plibersek told the ABC. 'Obviously, that's a trend that's going in the wrong direction.' But she said the research did offer 'good insights', revealing men who had an affectionate father figure as a child were 48 per cent less likely to have committed intimate partner violence. And men with high levels of social support 'all the time' were 26 per cent less likely to say they had committed intimate partner violence. 'It shows that men who have good mental health, who have good social connections and social supports, and who have a good relationship with a father or father figure when they're young, are all less likely to use violence in their relationships,' Plibersek told the ABC. Conversely, mental health issues such as depression can increase the incidence of violence. Men who reported moderate or severe depressive symptoms in 2013-2014 were 62 per cent more likely to report committing violence by the second survey, while those with mild depressive symptoms were 32 per cent more likely. Those who had experienced suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts were 47 per cent more likely to have committed some form of violence against a partner. 'Extent of the problem' Australian Institute of Family Studies director Liz Neville said : 'This unique data set, following men over a 10-year period, confirms the extent of the problem. 'With an estimated 120,000 men starting to use intimate partner violence each year across Australia, we can see more clearly how delays in effective interventions can have devastating consequences. 'Each act of violence harms individuals, families, and communities. We hope these disturbing numbers provide the impetus for further action by governments at all levels, underpinned by evidence.' However the research indicates programs which support men to develop good quality relationships, social connections and to seek support could contribute to a reduction in partner violence.
The Advertiser
27 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Newcastle coal shipments plummet due to heavy rain during May
Last month's rainfall caused coal exports through the Port of Newcastle to plummet to near record low levels. Export commodity data shows only 8.94 million tonnes of coal left the port during the month due to sustained difficulties with ship loading. The figure compares with the 11.4 million tonnes, which were exported in April. Just under 54 million tonnes have been exported for the year to date. Last month's restricted operations have led to a queue of coal ships, which stretched as far south as Budgewoi on Wednesday. A spokesman for Port Waratah Coal Services, which loaded 5.1 million tonnes for the month, said multiple ocean swell events and a large amount of fresh water entering the harbour significantly affected its operations and limited vessel movements. "There are a number of considerations we employ to operate safely with higher levels of fresh water in the harbour," he said. "We continue to make every effort to manage weather impacts, harbour conditions, stormwater onsite, and keep everyone safe. "We have experienced this type of inclement weather in recent years. However, the prolonged duration of wet weather in May and other conditions, including network closures, have resulted in lower than average operating statistics this month (May). He said the company was working with its customers and Hunter Valley Coal Chain partners to maximise coal delivery onto vessels. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) said operations on the Hunter Valley Network remained open for all services. Full operations to the North Coast were restored late last week. "ARTC will be actively monitoring track condition between trains, temporary speed restrictions are in place along the alignment and will remain until track health stabilises," it said in a statement. The International Energy Agency has predicted demand for Australian coal from South East Asia will remain high for the next few years. Half of the coal exported through the port in recent years went to Japan, while about 30 per cent went to China. Other markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, remained stable. The ongoing demand for Australian coal is occurring at the same time as countries including Japan and South Korea are actively engaged with the Port of Newcastle on the development of its clean energy precinct. Coal continues to represent the Hunter's largest and Australia's second-largest commodity export earner after iron ore, accounting for an expected $75 billion of exports this financial year. Last month's rainfall caused coal exports through the Port of Newcastle to plummet to near record low levels. Export commodity data shows only 8.94 million tonnes of coal left the port during the month due to sustained difficulties with ship loading. The figure compares with the 11.4 million tonnes, which were exported in April. Just under 54 million tonnes have been exported for the year to date. Last month's restricted operations have led to a queue of coal ships, which stretched as far south as Budgewoi on Wednesday. A spokesman for Port Waratah Coal Services, which loaded 5.1 million tonnes for the month, said multiple ocean swell events and a large amount of fresh water entering the harbour significantly affected its operations and limited vessel movements. "There are a number of considerations we employ to operate safely with higher levels of fresh water in the harbour," he said. "We continue to make every effort to manage weather impacts, harbour conditions, stormwater onsite, and keep everyone safe. "We have experienced this type of inclement weather in recent years. However, the prolonged duration of wet weather in May and other conditions, including network closures, have resulted in lower than average operating statistics this month (May). He said the company was working with its customers and Hunter Valley Coal Chain partners to maximise coal delivery onto vessels. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) said operations on the Hunter Valley Network remained open for all services. Full operations to the North Coast were restored late last week. "ARTC will be actively monitoring track condition between trains, temporary speed restrictions are in place along the alignment and will remain until track health stabilises," it said in a statement. The International Energy Agency has predicted demand for Australian coal from South East Asia will remain high for the next few years. Half of the coal exported through the port in recent years went to Japan, while about 30 per cent went to China. Other markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, remained stable. The ongoing demand for Australian coal is occurring at the same time as countries including Japan and South Korea are actively engaged with the Port of Newcastle on the development of its clean energy precinct. Coal continues to represent the Hunter's largest and Australia's second-largest commodity export earner after iron ore, accounting for an expected $75 billion of exports this financial year. Last month's rainfall caused coal exports through the Port of Newcastle to plummet to near record low levels. Export commodity data shows only 8.94 million tonnes of coal left the port during the month due to sustained difficulties with ship loading. The figure compares with the 11.4 million tonnes, which were exported in April. Just under 54 million tonnes have been exported for the year to date. Last month's restricted operations have led to a queue of coal ships, which stretched as far south as Budgewoi on Wednesday. A spokesman for Port Waratah Coal Services, which loaded 5.1 million tonnes for the month, said multiple ocean swell events and a large amount of fresh water entering the harbour significantly affected its operations and limited vessel movements. "There are a number of considerations we employ to operate safely with higher levels of fresh water in the harbour," he said. "We continue to make every effort to manage weather impacts, harbour conditions, stormwater onsite, and keep everyone safe. "We have experienced this type of inclement weather in recent years. However, the prolonged duration of wet weather in May and other conditions, including network closures, have resulted in lower than average operating statistics this month (May). He said the company was working with its customers and Hunter Valley Coal Chain partners to maximise coal delivery onto vessels. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) said operations on the Hunter Valley Network remained open for all services. Full operations to the North Coast were restored late last week. "ARTC will be actively monitoring track condition between trains, temporary speed restrictions are in place along the alignment and will remain until track health stabilises," it said in a statement. The International Energy Agency has predicted demand for Australian coal from South East Asia will remain high for the next few years. Half of the coal exported through the port in recent years went to Japan, while about 30 per cent went to China. Other markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, remained stable. The ongoing demand for Australian coal is occurring at the same time as countries including Japan and South Korea are actively engaged with the Port of Newcastle on the development of its clean energy precinct. Coal continues to represent the Hunter's largest and Australia's second-largest commodity export earner after iron ore, accounting for an expected $75 billion of exports this financial year. Last month's rainfall caused coal exports through the Port of Newcastle to plummet to near record low levels. Export commodity data shows only 8.94 million tonnes of coal left the port during the month due to sustained difficulties with ship loading. The figure compares with the 11.4 million tonnes, which were exported in April. Just under 54 million tonnes have been exported for the year to date. Last month's restricted operations have led to a queue of coal ships, which stretched as far south as Budgewoi on Wednesday. A spokesman for Port Waratah Coal Services, which loaded 5.1 million tonnes for the month, said multiple ocean swell events and a large amount of fresh water entering the harbour significantly affected its operations and limited vessel movements. "There are a number of considerations we employ to operate safely with higher levels of fresh water in the harbour," he said. "We continue to make every effort to manage weather impacts, harbour conditions, stormwater onsite, and keep everyone safe. "We have experienced this type of inclement weather in recent years. However, the prolonged duration of wet weather in May and other conditions, including network closures, have resulted in lower than average operating statistics this month (May). He said the company was working with its customers and Hunter Valley Coal Chain partners to maximise coal delivery onto vessels. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) said operations on the Hunter Valley Network remained open for all services. Full operations to the North Coast were restored late last week. "ARTC will be actively monitoring track condition between trains, temporary speed restrictions are in place along the alignment and will remain until track health stabilises," it said in a statement. The International Energy Agency has predicted demand for Australian coal from South East Asia will remain high for the next few years. Half of the coal exported through the port in recent years went to Japan, while about 30 per cent went to China. Other markets, including South Korea and Taiwan, remained stable. The ongoing demand for Australian coal is occurring at the same time as countries including Japan and South Korea are actively engaged with the Port of Newcastle on the development of its clean energy precinct. Coal continues to represent the Hunter's largest and Australia's second-largest commodity export earner after iron ore, accounting for an expected $75 billion of exports this financial year.
Sydney Morning Herald
30 minutes ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australian container return schemes are a booming good news story
For the first time since South Australia introduced Australia's first modern container return scheme in 1977 every state and territory in the nation is now paying cash for containers, with billions of bottles and cans being recycled and a marked reduction in coastal plastic litter. By close of business on Tuesday the NSW scheme had collected 13,742,879 bottles and cans and paid out $1.374 billion in refunds, with 1.1 million tonnes of product being recycled. In Victoria, an estimated 1.8 billion containers have been recycled through the container deposit scheme since its launch in November 2023. A government spokesman said Victorians had collected $186 million from the scheme, including more than $1.9 million donated to charities and community groups. The last state to introduce its own scheme was Tasmania, which began operations at the start of May and collected more than 1.2 million bottles and cans in its first four days of operations. According to a study published earlier this month in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin, the density of plastic pollution had fallen 39 per cent over a decade in coastal areas around Australia's cities, in part due to container deposit schemes. Loading It found containers were not the main form of debris found around Australian cities, except Hobart, according to a survey conducted shortly before the Tasmanian container deposit scheme began operations. 'Hobart, which did not have container deposit options at the time of the survey, was found to have the highest occurrence of fragment and whole beverage bottles compared to all other cities,' says the report. 'This provides additional evidence that effective policies, such as container deposit legislation, can help to reduce plastic in the environment.' The schemes, which see consumers charged a 10¢ deposit which is refunded upon container returns, are successful because they provide the packaging industry with a clean and reliable stream of material for recycling, said James Dorney, chief executive of Tomra Cleanaway, the joint venture which runs the NSW scheme.
