AI-generated summary
Labor is facing rising support for the populist right-wing One Nation party amid economic frustrations among voters. Simultaneously, the government faced backlash from businesses after the ATO moved to ban credit card payments for tax obligations, prompting a reversal with extra funding to maintain the option until July next year.
Labor's senior figures are projecting confidence the party can overcome One Nation's surge, while acknowledging the economic frustrations driving voters towards the populist right.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared he is not "spooked" by the challenges facing Labor and denied he had sought to soothe the nerves of MPs fearful of a mid-term slump.
Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the federal government cannot simply hope the far right "goes away or implodes", urging progressives not to "mock" or "talk down" to voters attracted to the One Nation message.
Catch up on the story from Clare Armstrong at the link below.
The prime minister has sought to make peace with the business community after his government faced backlash over the tax office's ban on credit card payments.
Following criticism from businesses, the government announced last week it would give the ATO extra funding to ensure it could keep taking credit card payments until July next year.
In a speech last night at an Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) event, Anthony Albanese revealed he personally intervened in the situation after getting a text message from ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar.
"My door is always open. Andrew did text me last Thursday morning and by Friday morning we had an announcement," Albanese said.
"That was an example of a relationship that takes time develop as well, that trust."
At the event, McKellar also praised the prime minister for acting quickly to "provide vital breathing space" for small businesses impacted by the ATO's decision.
"Prime minister, to your credit, your door was open, you engaged, you listened," he said.
"We welcome that response and we will use the additional time to work with the tax office now to find a sustainable, long-term solution."
Hello friends. Welcome to our politics live blog.
I'm Courtney Gould from the ABC's Parliament House team, here to guide you through the day.
We're expecting a number of things to be introduced to the parliament today. First, is the government's proposed crackdown on discretionary trusts, followed by the national gas reservation scheme. Resources Minister Madeleine King will then head down to the National Press Club later today.
We also learned more about Labor's move to fund a delay to the ATO's credit card payment ban. More on that very soon.
There's a bit going on so let's jump straight into it.
Loading
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Labor will continue to engage with business groups to address concerns over tax policy and maintain economic stability.
Likely · Within weeks
The government will seek a sustainable, long-term solution for ATO payment methods in collaboration with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Possible · Within months
The Tasmanian government will require AI data centre companies to contribute to a new Local Community Benefit Fund to support local infrastructure, skills, training and community initiatives. Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the policy, stating it will apply to all projects including existing ones and be enforceable. The move comes as Firmus withdrew its ASX IPO and communities raise concerns about resource usage and benefits.
Six weeks out from the Victorian state election, traditional Labor supporters in regional Victoria report growing disillusionment with the party, citing cost of living, neglect of rural areas, and perceived complacency, with many considering voting for the Liberals, One Nation, or casting a protest vote, according to voter interviews and an Accent Research study showing nearly half of 2022 Labor voters intend to change their vote.
Small Business Minister Anne Aly accused Liberal MP Angie Bell of racist and misogynistic comments after Bell called for the prime minister and Aly to be 'shamed and stoned in the square' during a parliamentary debate over ATO credit card rules.
South Australian politicians from multiple parties united in Canberra to demand full delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, citing a 265-gigalitre shortfall caused by other states failing to complete water-saving projects.
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has not ruled out a return to politics amid mixed reactions from Liberal colleagues, with some urging him to stop speculating and others supporting his potential comeback, while he promotes his memoir and backs current frontbencher Angus Taylor despite advocating for internal party change.

Anthony Albanese’s office approved edits to a bipartisan AI policy letter from a parliamentary committee before it was sent to the prime minister, according to committee member David Pocock, who said the intervention occurred after the letter had already been sent and undermined the committee’s independence.