Angus Taylor has revealed he discussed the Albanese government’s “toxic taxes” with Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes.
The Opposition Leader shared a selfie of him and the comedian at a Melbourne cafe with his social media followers on Thursday.
“Just trying to enjoy one of Melbourne’s famous coffees and this guy won’t stop talking to me about Labor’s toxic taxes,” Mr Taylor wrote in the post.
Commenting on the post, Mr Hughes wrote: “Taxes were entree, corruption the main course! It’s gotta end!”
It comes after Mr Hughes, who has been a vocal critic of the Albanese government, declared he would vote for the Liberals at the next federal election.
He also said he planned to back Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson at the state’s upcoming election in November, news.com.au reported.
“I’ve spoken to her, and I said, ‘Just be honest’. If I could find any politician who is honest, I’d be happy,” he told the publication earlier this week.
“We need to get all public spending on a register that we can see because corruption is off the charts. They don’t think it’s real money, so they just take it!”
The comedian also took aim at the Albanese government’s tax overhaul, which was first announced in the May federal budget before being passed through the Senate in June.
The legislated reforms, which include major changes to the capital gains tax discount and new negative gearing restrictions, have been heavily criticised by the Coalition and One Nation.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan led a protest at parliament in May calling for the Australian public to “not be taxed before they have a say”, while One Nation leader Pauline Hanson previously said the bill was “rushed”.
Mr Hughes told news.com.au he thought the tax system should not be able to be changed “without letting people vote on it”.
“It is disgusting; we should never vote Labor. You can’t change the tax system without letting me vote on it. It is disgraceful,” the comedian said.
“We are being played … and the parliamentary system is a disgrace and needs a complete overhaul!”
Mr Hughes’ cafe encounter with Mr Taylor sparked a wave of reaction from social media users, with many supporting his move to meet the Opposition Leader.
“Get him to join the Liberal Party, Angus. He makes a lot of sense and says what we are all thinking,” one Instagram user wrote on Thursday.
“Tell him how it is, Dave. You’re our voice,” another person wrote.
However, some users took aim at the pair, with one saying he had “no respect” for the comedian.
“He needs to grow up and stop whining,” the person commented.
“He has voted Labor his whole life. Angus, seriously,” another person said.