This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Malcolm Turnbull's Super Backdown Is An 'Incredible Capitulation'

Tanya Plibersek says the PM has "no authority".
Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek says Malcolm Turnbull is desperate for wins
Andrew Meares, Fairfax
Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek says Malcolm Turnbull is desperate for wins

CANBERRA -- Acting Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek has slammed the Turnbull Government's back down on proposed superannuation changes as an "incredible capitulation" to conservative Coalition backbenchers.

A day after securing Labor support for the passage of the $6.3 billion omnibus bill, the government has dumped a key but controversial budget measure, a lifetime cap of $500,000 on non-concessional super contributions.

The proposal of a lifetime cap was unpopular with the Coalition backbench including Queensland MP George Christensen who threatened to cross the floor.

.@GChristensenMP says he'll no longer be crossing the floor in light of @ScottMorrisonMP's super changes. #7Newspic.twitter.com/SFojzP9egr

— Amelia Brace (@AmeliaBrace) September 15, 2016

Some Liberal party supporters, angry over the super plan, refused to contribute to the 2016 election campaign.

Labor has not seen details of the changes, but acting Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek has told Huffington Post Australia that "absolutely iron clad guarantees" from the Turnbull Government are worthless.

When Bill's away. Tanya Plibersek faces off Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during question time
Andrew Meares, Fairfax
When Bill's away. Tanya Plibersek faces off Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during question time

"It is an incredible capitulation," Ms Plibersek said.

"I think it is instructive that George Christensen is out there saying he's got everything he wanted in these superannuation changes.

"It is a further confirmation that Malcolm Turnbull has no power and no authority within the Liberal Party or within the National Party."

Arch-conservative George Christensen says Malcolm Turnbull has exceeded his expectations as PM #auspol

— Bevan Shields (@BevanShields) September 15, 2016

Under the changes announced Thursday by Treasurer Scott Morrison;

Ms Plibersek said Labor will have a close look at the superannuation proposal, but has indicated the Prime Minister will not get an easy ride on super.

"Malcolm Turnbull is desperate for wins, as he sees them," she told HuffPost Australia.

"All he is doing really is showing he has no authority within his own party room that he is prepared to cave in on everything he has ever believed in.

"What does Malcolm Turnbull actually stand for?"

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.