9:28am: The tax element of the plan has grabbed most of the early attention. How could you create different tax regimes in different zones in Australia and not run into Constitutional hot water?
Mr Abbott thought it prudent to seek the cameras early. If the discussion paper had been leaked, best to shape the discussion.
REPORTER: Are you looking at separate tax regimes for different states, and if so, how is that constitutionally possible?
TONY ABBOTT: No, we're not. We are not. What we are looking at are carefully targeted incentives to develop Australia. That's what we're looking at. Carefully targeted, fiscally responsible incentives and I would remind you of the proposal that we took to the last election which was for five trial sites where there would be carefully targeted incentives, but there is absolutely no way that people in different parts of Australia will be paying different tax depending upon where they live.
QUESTION: Just to clarify, you can rule out now that there won't be an exclusive economic zone, for instance, for northern Australia?
TONY ABBOTT: Well, the short answer is yes. We are looking at sensible, responsible policies that will make it easier to develop our country. While the Government wants to divide Australia and divide Australians, we want to develop Australia and to make the most of the potential of our country. But what we won't be doing is saying, well, people will be paying a different tax system depending upon where they live.
9:23am: If you are just tuning in, The Daily Telegraph has delivered a heart starter this morning with this story:
Tony Abbott will take to the election a radical plan to reshape Australia by splitting it into different personal tax zones and forcibly shifting tens of thousands of jobs to the Top End.
According to a leaked discussion paper, the Coalition was intent on delivering a twenty-year strategic plan for northern Australia. Population would be boosted in Darwin, Cairns, Townsville and Karatha. There would be tax incentives. $800 million from the aid budget would be reallocated to build world centres of excellence in tropical health. Foreign investment rules would be liberalised.
Big thoughts for an Opposition routinely accused of being a policy-free zone.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith delivers a statement on Afghanistan in the House of Representatives Photo: Photo by Alex Ellinghausen / Fai
9:11am: Good morning Pulsers and welcome. Brisk old start to the political day.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith is delivering his regular report to parliament on Australia's involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan.
And the airwaves are crackling with Opposition leader Tony Abbott's big bold plan to stimulate economic development in Australia's north.
A big lug of new fashioned Queensland developmentalism.
But is it over before it's even begun?
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