The SMH argues that the governments inconsistent policies on fiscal repair have only increased the confusion among voters. With just 11 weeks until the budget, Messrs Turnbull, Morrison and Cormann need to find some common ground and get their story straight.
One minute the government is holding the most vulnerable people to ransom by linking the National Disability Insurance Scheme and welfare payments. Treasurer Scott Morrison then signaled the May budget will raise taxes to protect the nation's AAA credit rating if the Senate won't pass the $13 billion in savings measures.
And someone in government circles leaks information that suggests the May budget will wind back capital gains tax perks.
But the next minute all bets are off - sort of - regarding taxes: "Don't believe everything you read in the paper," Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said.
The SMH points out that voters cannot believe anything if there is no coherent budget-repair plan.
The paper suggests some reforms can be considered to address the structural problems: negative gearing, the goods and services tax, limiting tax cuts to small and medium business, and reducing tax breaks for large superannuation balances.
With the first sitting fortnight of the parliamentary year over, voters have been given no clear guidance about the governments fiscal repair plan. The SMH emphasizes Messrs Turnbull, Morrison and Cormann need to find some common ground and stop generating confusion among voters.
