Taylor welcomes Frydenberg's possible comeback while rejecting GST hike

Angus Taylor expressed openness to former Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg re-entering politics, saying the party needs every strong leader for the next election. While acknowledging Frydenberg’s proposals on energy, AI and a GST-linked housing fund, Taylor categorically rejected any GST increase, citing fiscal conservatism and one outlet cost-of-living pressures. He defended the Coalition’s migration reforms, which aim to cut 650,000 temporary visas over four years but add 100,000 higher-earning skilled migrants to keep the budget balanced.

Taylor noted that the Parliamentary Budget Office has not fully costed the plan due to legislative limits, but he expects a clearer analysis as the election approaches. He also highlighted a transitional arrangement for aged-care workers on existing visas. The migration policy is presented as a way to raise average income and productivity without expanding the population, contrasting it with Labor’s growth-through-population strategy.