Australia opposition channels Rinehart poetry in Outback tax plan

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's opposition is considering adopting a policy of raising tax rebates paid to residents in its mining-rich tropical north ahead of September elections, drawing criticisms and comparisons to controversial ideas penned by mining magnate Gina Rinehart.

Citing a "leaked, high-level" opposition document, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported the opposition was considering splitting the country into different tax zones, relocating civil servants and diverting A$800 million (526.6 million pounds) in foreign aid to fund major projects north of the Tropic of Capricorn.