Albanese urged not to ‘lose the moment’ for tax reform as he squashes debate on stage-three cuts

Economists say the tax cuts are unaffordable and should be trimmed or changed, either now or in May

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Economists have urged the federal government not to squander the chance for tax reform, after the prime minister hosed down speculation about possible changes to the legislated stage-three cuts in this month's budget.

The chief executive of the Grattan Institute, Danielle Wood, said she would be sad" if we lost the moment" for a substantial discussion about tax changes and hoped a broader debate was still possible before the next budget in May.