PETER VAN ONSELEN: Anthony Albanese's top aide is forced to take extraordinary measures to stop an utter trainwreck that has minister being compared to the Black Knight from Monty Python

In a last-minute effort to address significant backlash, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones finally agreed to meet with tax practitioners after a month of complaints regarding his new laws. Legal advice indicated that these laws could inadvertently force mental health disclosures, raising concerns among industry professionals. The Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board also noted that mental health issues could be relevant for disclosure, intensifying the urgency for Jones to act. As Labor faced potential defeat in the Senate, Jones capitulated to the demands of tax practitioners, which he had previously refused to consider. This change of heart came just before a crucial vote, where independent Senator David Pocock warned that he would switch sides if Jones failed to honor his commitments. Ultimately, Jones issued a statement confirming his agreement to all the practitioners' demands, averting a legislative disaster. The situation highlighted Jones's earlier refusal to engage with the industry, which had united the crossbench against Labor. Even the Greens, typically aligned with Labor, were divided on the issue. The lack of consultation and the ensuing anger from the tax community underscored the missteps made by Jones and the government. Mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry expressed cautious optimism about Labor's backtrack, suggesting it was a positive development that they seemed to rule out forced disclosures. In the end, Jones's eventual compromise was a necessary step to restore confidence and credibility within the tax industry.