Claims by the Opposition of a so-called government “tax attack” were swiftly rejected by the Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, Senator Dominic Smith, during the debate in the Upper House on the Finance Bill, 2025.
Minister Smith’s rebuttal came in direct response to assertions made earlier by Opposition Senator Dr. Amery Browne, who argued that the government was aggressively pursuing new and increased taxes that would place additional burdens on citizens.
Minister Smith rejected this, insisting that the measures outlined in the Bill are part of a balanced and responsible fiscal strategy, rather than an indiscriminate attempt to raise revenue at the public’s expense.
“Under a tax attack, Mr. President, a tax attack, and I said to myself clearly, clearly the Senator was out of touch with the reality of the last nine years. Mr. President, would you believe that the income tax over the last nine years raised by 25 to 30%? Would you believe, Mr. President, that the Corporation Tax in this country over the last nine and a half years increased by 25%? Would you believe, Mr. President, the bank taxation increased by 35% in this country?”
The Minister emphasised that the government remained committed to protecting vulnerable groups while ensuring the country’s long-term economic stability.