The ACT Greens have secured key concessions on Labor's unfair health levy, including a reduction of the levy by $150 to $100 and a commitment to partially adopt the Greens policy to tax big corporations in the ACT.
Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury, said that while these reforms aren't the Greens' first choice, they are a significant win for the community.
"In the six days since the Budget was handed down, the Greens have worked constructively and negotiated in good faith, with one goal in mind: standing up for everyday Canberrans.
"As a result, I'm proud to say we've secured meaningful concessions that will make this budget fairer and ease some of the pressure on those doing it tough. Importantly, the Greens have only agreed to support these changes for the next financial year. We will work for an even fairer budget next year.
"The Greens have been really clear with the ACT Labor Government, a flat health levy does not take into account a person's ability to pay and does not reflect the type of city we want to build. It will unfairly impact a lot of people in our community.
"However, shortly after we stated our opposition to the levy, Labor advised that rates notices were due to go out this week and they had no ability to delay. As a result there was a significant level of pressure to come to an agreement by the end of today.
"The Greens have also secured a firm commitment from the government to review the health levy in that time, with a focus on fairer, alternative tax measures that don't directly impact everyday Canberrans.
Key concessions the Greens have secured in negotiations include:
- A reduction of Labor's unfair health levy by $150 from $250 to $100 and a commitment to review the levy ahead of the 2026-27 Budget.
- A commitment to partially implement the Greens big corporations tax policy, with a 2% payroll tax increase on corporations with a payroll of over $150 million per year.
Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens, Jo Clay, said that a good budget raises revenue from those who can afford it, like big corporations, before passing the bill onto everyday people who are struggling with the high cost of living.
"Companies that operate in our city and make billions in profits, like Qantas and Wesfarmers, should be paying their fair share of tax. But instead, they're raking in massive profits while Canberrans struggle with the cost of living.
"This commitment is a clear admission from Labor that their original health levy was an unfair tax on everyday people who are struggling with the cost of living and we welcome this step change.
"As the party holding the sole balance of power in the ACT Parliament, the Greens have a responsibility to use our position to deliver real outcomes for our community and that's exactly what these reforms represent."
Through negotiations with Labor the Greens have also secured a commitment to review the timing of the budget as well as a commitment to model the Greens full policy to tax big corporations for consideration in future budgets. This will mean that future budgets can take into account the need for progressive measures that deliver the services Canberrans need.
