A vocal critic of the Australian government's recent tax changes for investments has won a charity auction for a private tennis match with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Joseph Daoud, an investment tax critic, placed the highest bid of $16,500 for the opportunity to play tennis with the prime minister.
The auction took place on Wednesday evening during Canberra's annual Midwinter Ball, a prominent gala event attended by politicians and their partners. The event featured a three-course dinner and a charity auction, with the tennis match against Albanese being one of the coveted items.
Daoud has been an outspoken opponent of the government's fiscal policies, particularly the changes to investment tax laws implemented under the Federal Budget. These changes included the removal of the capital gains tax discount and the cessation of a system that allowed property investors to reclaim expenses. Daoud previously spent $17,500 on a billboard campaign targeting what he termed the prime minister's "ambition tax."
The bids for the auction closed at 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Attendees of the Midwinter Ball, held at Parliament House, were noted for their formal attire, with many donning ballgowns and black ties.