Horse-trading is an unavoidable feature of parliamentary democracy. At its best, it can carve out necessary compromises and soften the most radical ends of legislation. At its worst, it can butcher good policy.The latest example is the $52 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme. The program is being turned into a political football by all sides of politics because the Albanese government is attempting to ram contentious tax changes – including higher capital gains taxes across all asset classes – through the Senate. Labor must negotiate with the crossbench to secure passage.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles