Small Business Minister Anne Aly condemned Liberal MP Angie Bell for her “stoned in the square” comment over the Australian Tax Office’s decision to ban credit card payments for tax bills.
What we know:
- In a speech to parliament, Bell called on the government to overturn the credit card ban, and said Aly and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should be “absolutely shamed and stoned in the square” (ABC).
- Bell subsequently withdrew the comments after Leader of the House Tony Burke raised concerns over what he described as “some physically violent imagery” (ABC).
- In a social media video, Aly later revealed she has received 19 death threats this week alone that were “couched in that exact same language: stone her”, and accused Bell of racism and misogyny over the comments (The Guardian).
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers has negotiated a delay in the ban, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said the government will consult the business community over the issue (SMH).
- The ATO’s decision comes after a ban on credit card surcharges. An online price tracker has reported that 17% of cafes have increased their prices for coffee since the ban was introduced, with an average increase of 50 cents (The Guardian).