It's official! Millions of Australians will get an extra $1,080 as Scott Morrison's income tax cut package passes parliament - as the nine senators who say you DON'T deserve a boost are revealed
- Scott Morrison's $158 billion income tax cut package has passed parliament
- The government secured crossbench support in the Senate on Thursday
- Australians earning up to $90,000 will get an extra $1,080 as of next week
- Those earning between $45,000 and $200,000 will be on 30 per cent tax rate
- Nine Greens senators, who earn $207,100 per year, voted against the package
The Morrison government's signature $158 billion income tax cut package has passed parliament.
In the first week of sitting since the coalition was re-elected in May, the government secured crossbench support in the Senate for the three-stage plan on Thursday evening.
Australians earning up to $90,000 will get an extra $1,080 back in tax within weeks, while everyone earning between $45,000 and $200,000 will be on the same tax rate of 30 per cent from July 2024.
The Morrison government's signature $158 billion income tax cut package has passed parliament
Australians earning up to $90,000 will get an extra $1,080 back in tax within weeks (stock image)
The tax cut packaged passed the Senate on Thursday night 59 votes to 9, with the Coalition, Labor and four crossbenchers voting in favour for the package.
The nine Greens senators who voted against the package all received a base annual salary of $207,100.
They are Richard Di Natale, Larissa Waters, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Jordon Steele-John, Rachel Siewart, Janet Rice, Nick McKim, Sarah Hanson-Young and Peter Whish-Wilson.
Greens Leader Richard Di Natale spoke in parliament against the package, and slammed Labor for their decision to support it.
'What a disgrace... what a disgrace,' the Victorian Senator said.
'The Labor party, for a hundred years supported progressive taxation, are now saying "we are with the neo-liberals", "we are with a party that wants to take Australia down the path of Trumps' America".'
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He urged Labor to 'show some courage' and to 'toughen up' and fight against the Coalition like the Opposition Party should.
'There are so many Australians in this country, who are crying out for leadership... and you've caved, you've crumbled, you've given in at the first sign of pressure,' Mr Di Natale said.
'People held high hopes for Anthony Albanese, and if this is a sign of where the modern Labor party are going... well, frankly, we're stuffed.'
Mr Di Natale said the Greens showed themselves to be the 'real opposition' in the parliament and will fight the tax cuts.
'We call on you to join us, to work with us, to make sure the tax system is used to address inequality, not entrench it, not continue the divide that exists within Australia,' he said.
'Make no mistake, we will unequivocally put the spotlight on you to make sure you repeal this vile piece of legislation at the next election.'
The first stage of the plan will deliver up to $1,080 to low and middle-income earners when they lodge their tax returns in coming months.
The second stage would top up a low-income tax offset, meaning people earning up to $45,000 - instead of $41,000 - would have a 19 per cent tax rate.
The final stage would flatten the tax rate from 32.5 per cent to 30 per cent for people earning between $45,000 and $200,000 from mid-2024.
Among the Greens senators who opposed the tax cut package were Larissa Waters (left) and Sarah Hanson-Young (right)
Senator Richard Di Natale (middle), Janet Rice (left) and Peter Whish-Wilson (right) also opposed the tax cut package
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister Matthias Cormann issued a statement saying the package will relieve millions of Australians.
'The Coalition Government has delivered on its promise, as outlined in this year's Budget, to build a better tax system and provide more tax relief to hard-working Australians,' the joint statement said.
'As a result, low and middle income earners will keep more of what they earn and have more money in their pockets.
'This will ultimately boost household consumption, which will be good for the overall economy.'
The $158 billion package passed the lower house on Tuesday night after about three hours of debate, with Labor failing to secure an amendment to bring forward the second stage of the package from 2022 to 2019.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese scaled back his objections to vote for the full package on Thursday after questioning what programs and services would need to be cut to fund the third stage.
The nine Greens senators who voted against the package all received a base annual salary of $207,100, including Dr Mehreen Faruqi (left) and Jordon Steele-John (right)
Rachel Siewart (left) and Nick McKim (right) also voted no against the tax cut package
While Mr Morrison confirmed no programs would be cut, Mr Albanese said the Prime Minister's pledge 'lacks credibility'.
Labor has been hoping it could convince crossbenchers to support amendments so the second stage can happen sooner and the third stage be voted on later.
It argued the third stage - set for 2024/25 - was too far off for the Parliament to decide on now.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has promised the money would be flowing as soon as possible.
'If the legislation passes this week… the ATO (Australian Tax Office) staff are all ready to move it through the system and people will get it next week,' he told Sky News.
'Once they put in their tax returns, if they put in their tax returns next week, they'll get it just days after.'
For those eager workers who have already applied for their tax returns can rest easy as they will not miss out.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (pictured) scaled back his objections to vote for the full package on Thursday
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (pictured right with Scott Morrison) has promised the money would be flowing as soon as possible
