Responding to Treasurer Scott Morrison’s National Press Club Address ‘Backing Australians in our Transitioning Economy’, Greens Treasury spokesperson Adam Bandt MP called on the Treasurer to stop backing fossil fuels and instead invest in creating jobs and growth by transitioning our economy to the industries of the future, like clean energy, science, research and innovation.

Greens Treasury spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today welcomed Malcolm Turnbull publicly declaring the GST rise is dead, buried and cremated, but said this latest move by the government confirms it has been the worst tax 'debate' ever.

"Finally Malcolm Turnbull has come out and let the public know that a GST rise is dead, buried and cremated," Mr Bandt said.

"This is just the government bowing to public pressure over a policy it never had the courage to publicly own.”

The Australian Greens today said the CSIRO CEO Larry Marshall’s decision to cut hundreds of jobs in climate science within the organisation puts the future of the CSIRO as a respected national institution in doubt and criticised his public comments on his decision. The Greens called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene and reverse Dr Marshall’s retrograde decision, and for Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman to stand up for the Tasmanian climate scientists affected by these cuts.

Greens Treasury spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that news the Commonwealth Bank has posted another record half-year profit of $4.8 billion proves the big banks can afford to pay more tax.

“Yet again one of the big 4 banks has put away a record half-year profit, proving they can afford to pay their fair share in tax,” Mr Bandt said.

“Instead of looking at attacking our long-standing universal healthcare system by privatising parts of Medicare, the government should again look at introducing a bank deposit levy, but limit it to the Big 4.”

Greens Treasury spokesperson Adam Bandt MP wrote to Treasurer Scott Morrison late yesterday urging him to adopt a fairer ‘Plan B’ on tax reform that could pass through the Senate. Mr Bandt’s letter outlined the Greens’ proposals for progressive taxation of superannuation and reforming negative gearing, areas that the government is reported to be considering.

“Tax reform should start at the top, not the bottom. The Greens want the government to change direction on tax,” Mr Bandt said.

The Australian Greens today said the CSIRO’s cuts to climate science are a test for Malcolm Turnbull on innovation and called on the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to intervene and reverse the cuts.

“Malcolm Turnbull risks being an innovation imposter if he allows the CSIRO to proceed with its cuts to climate science,” Greens Science & Research spokesperson Adam Bandt said.

Greens Treasury spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said now that the GST rise is dead, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull must show us the body to prove that it’s not a zombie that will come back to attack us.

“The GST rise is dead but Malcolm Turnbull needs to make sure it’s not a zombie that comes back to life to attack us,” Mr Bandt said.

“This is a big win for the public and the community who have stared down this unfair tax.”