Hi Vicky,

It’s been a fast-moving fortnight — the Treasurer finally opening the door on tax reform, serious questions raised about the future of AUKUS, and conflict in the Middle East.

Here’s a quick update on what’s happening — and how I’m working for you.

Photo from @kingscrossstreets on Instagram

1. Broad tax reform is finally on the table — now let’s not waste the moment

Last week, the Treasurer finally opened the door to broad tax reform in an address to the National Press Club. That’s a welcome step — and one I’ve been pushing for over the past three years.

Now, we must turn this moment into momentum.

To start, we must acknowledge that real reform will create winners and losers. But that’s not a reason to walk away — it’s a reason to explain why reform is worth it.

Because our current tax system just isn’t good enough. It’s holding back innovation, discouraging investment, and placing too heavy a burden on workers, particularly younger Australians who are struggling to achieve the same milestones as their parents. If we’re serious about reform, everything must be on the table.

I’ve outlined my priorities in my recent OpEd in the AFR and in my Tax Green Paper.

I’ve also made a submission to the Productivity Commission, who are conducting an inquiry into how we can boost productivity across the economy, calling for these principles to be front and centre. My submission will be available to read soon so I will keep you updated.

I’m really looking forward to playing a positive role in this process. To do this, I need to hear from you! Please keep an eye on my socials and website for the next community forum to voice your thoughts.

2. AUKUS: We need clarity, not just commitment

AUKUS is the centrepiece of Australia’s defence strategy — and it’s a huge financial and strategic decision. Yet it's had remarkably little public or parliamentary scrutiny.

This is a $368 billion investment over three decades, with the first phase involving three US-built nuclear submarines arriving in the early 2030s.

But the deal is far from certain. The US will only sell us those submarines if it’s producing enough for its own defence — and right now, that’s not happening. That’s a serious risk we need to confront.

I’ve joined other members of the crossbench in calling for a proper parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS. Not because we oppose investment in our defence, but because decisions of this scale should be subject to debate, transparency, and scrutiny.

AUKUS will shape Australia’s future for decades. If we want it to succeed, it must be built on public trust — and that starts with a more open conversation about the risks, the alternatives, and the broader implications.

✉ Read the crossbench letter to the Prime Minister

3. Information for Australians in the Middle East

I know many of us in Wentworth are worried about family and friends affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

The rapidly changing situation facing civilians in the region is frightening and chaotic.

My team and I are here to support you. We’re in touch with some affected constituents and are speaking with the Foreign Minister’s office daily to push the Government is doing all it can.

It is essential that Australians in the region register at the dedicated crisis portal for updates and support:

crisis.dfat.gov.au

Given the current volatility, please keep up to date with the most recent travel information at Smartraveller as things can change at short notice.

smartraveller.gov.au

In the event of an emergency, the 24/7 Consular Emergency Centre can be reached at:

+61 2 6261 3305 (overseas)
1300 555 135 (within Australia)

If there is anything my office can help you with, you can contact me via email at: 📧 [email protected]

In the news

It’s been a busy few weeks. Here’s where you might have seen me:

• 🎥 ABC Afternoon Briefing - Response to the Treasurer's National Press Club Address
• 🎥 Sky News - On Tax Reform
• Women's Agenda - 'Allegra Spender calls out the weird question women in her office keep being asked'
• AFR OpEd - 'Here's a tax agenda for Chalmers' roundtable'

Thanks for reading — and for being part of a community that believes in forward-thinking, honest politics.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts,

Allegra Spender MP