Manufacturing union says Australia’s tax system is ‘rigged’ in bold manifesto ahead of Labor conference

A manufacturing union has circulated a sharply left-leaning policy proposal ahead of Labor’s national conference, arguing that Australia’s tax system unfairly favours the wealthy and large companies.

According to the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the country should introduce a higher tax rate for top income earners, add taxes on wealth and inheritances, and collect more revenue from gas companies. The union says the extra funds could be used to lift the JobSeeker payment, make education free at all levels, including university, and nationalise aged care.

The union has described the proposal as a blueprint for a “working-class agenda,” framing it as a direct challenge to the current balance of taxation and public spending. The manifesto is being circulated as Labor prepares for its national conference, where delegates are expected to debate the party’s direction on wages, tax policy and public services.

The broad aims outlined by the AMWU place pressure on Labor’s leadership and rank-and-file members to consider whether the party should move further left on redistribution and public ownership. The proposal also signals that sections of the union movement want the government to use the tax system more aggressively to fund social programs.

The feed summary indicates the AMWU is presenting the package as part of a wider push to increase support for workers and low-income households while shifting more of the cost burden onto higher earners and resource companies.

This report is based on a monitored public feed and reflects the details provided there. Source attribution is included below.

Source: The Guardian World - https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/21/manufacturing-union-says-australias-tax-system-is-rigged-in-bold-manifesto-ahead-of-labor-conference