Source : Perth Now news
A final report into huge cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme is likely to be delayed for a third time.
A snap parliamentary inquiry’s final report on changes to the $56 million scheme is due to be tabled on Tuesday after two extensions were granted.
However, an interim version is expected to be tabled instead, sources close to the matter told AAP.
The government hopes to use the fortnight before parliament’s winter break to get the controversial bill through parliament after the report lands, requiring deals with both the coalition and the Greens.
The proposed NDIS overhaul would boot 160,000 people from the scheme to rein in spending and leave thousands more with less funding.
At the same time, sweeping changes to the capital gains tax and negative gearing have not been well-received by voters, with polls showing support for Labor continues to drop.
The Greens are agreeable to the tax changes and voted for the legislation in the lower house, but want a longer inquiry on the NDIS bill and minimal cuts.
The minor party could team up with the coalition, which is already in hot water as Pauline Hanson’s One Nation rises in popularity, to stall both bills in the Senate.
The coalition has strongly opposed tax changes, saying they will hurt young home buyers and small businesses.
The interim report could be a sign Labor intends to shore up a deal with the Greens and give more time for inquiries into the NDIS cuts.
Partyroom briefings, which generally happen on the first Tuesday morning of a sitting block, will likely provide a better indication of each party’s intentions.
Both Labor and the coalition are likely to consider how their next moves might stave off One Nation’s rise.
A Roy Morgan poll on Monday showed One Nation was up two per cent in primary support to 31.5 per cent, clearly ahead of Labor’s 27 per cent.
The coalition’s primary vote fell to just 17.5 per cent.
