Richard Marles, Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers.
Speculation is building one of Australia’s most controversial tax breaks will be overhauled as the centrepiece of this year’s federal budget, with senior government ministers refusing to categorically rule out changes despite days of reports.
Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Labor has previously baulked at tinkering with the capital gains (CGT) discount following the party’s particularly ill-fated attempt at the 2019 election.
But with young Australians becoming increasingly priced out of the property market, the budget desperately needing a way out of its structural deficit, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers speaking of the need to address the country’s widening intergenerational divide, some signs are pointing towards a possible overhaul in the coming months.
Richard Marles, Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers.
The government’s most senior ministers haven’t ruled out changes to one of the naton’s most contentious tax breaks.(Joe Armao)

Would any changes get through parliament?

One advantage for the government, should it opt to scale back the tax discount on investment properties, is the likely smooth passage of such legislation through parliament.

In the lower house, Labor possesses the necessary majority to pass any proposed bill. In the Senate, gaining support from the Greens, who have consistently advocated for the elimination of tax breaks for property investors, would be crucial. Senators like Pocock and Lambie are also expected to back the changes, making the path forward clearer.

Earlier this week, Pocock remarked, “This is a prime opportunity for pragmatic reform of the capital gains tax discount on investment properties, which can motivate the development of new housing supply that our nation urgently needs.”

He added, “While it won’t single-handedly address housing affordability, it will certainly contribute.”

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