News
Government denies South Australians of a land tax investigation |
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
A proposal to investigate South Australia’s crippling land tax regime has been negligently denied by the Rann Labor Government.
Shadow Minister for Finance Steven Griffiths moved at the State Parliamentary Economic and Finance Committee that South Australia’s land tax collection system be reviewed.
Government members on the Committee consulted with Treasurer Foley in forming their opinion not to support the motion for the investigation.
“South Australians are incensed at their sky-rocketing land tax bills and the Opposition has received hundreds of calls from the public outraged at the State Government’s arrogance and lack of compassion on this matter.
Efforts by the Opposition to review and invite public comment on land tax have been denied by the Rann Labor Government who continues to enjoy massive land tax revenue windfalls at the expense of hard working South Australians.
“Since coming into government in 2002 revenue from land tax to the Rann Labor Government has increased by a massive 265% and resulted in SA having the nation’s harshest land tax regime. This year land tax revenue from privately held land is forecast to increase by $83 million to $306 million (37%).
As part of the motion by Mr Griffiths, land tax collection in other states was to be examined so recommendations could be made to establish South Australia as a competitive place to invest and conduct business.
Today’s ABS figures show that business investment in SA has declined by 14% in the December quarter 2008, making SA the worst performing state. This supports the need to review state taxation policies and the impact on business investment.
Clearly the Rann Labor Government does not care about the negative affect its harsh land tax system is having on people and continue to hide behind the argument of valuation increases.
Mr Griffiths said that denying the investigation was a move by the Rann Labor Government to dodge real issues affecting people to cover up the embarrassment they would face while the current land tax arrangement was being scrutinised.