Page 3297 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 22 August 2012
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
that people fulfil their obligations as taxpayers is important and, in light of the earlier debate about payroll tax, I think we can all see why it is important for different revenue offices to communicate to ensure that the laws are being complied with.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation) (10.52), in reply: I thank the shadow treasurer and the leader of the Greens for their succinct contributions. If only all of my legislation was endorsed as quickly as this piece has been. For the record, Mr Speaker, I do note that the scrutiny of bills committee did raise some concerns regarding possible issues of privacy. There are broad and sound public policy reasons why the sharing of information between state and territory revenue offices and the Australian Taxation Office occurs. Information sharing allows the territory to protect its revenue base and there are significant and broad benefits to the community that are gained from the sharing of this information.
In my view it would be unfortunate if the community suffered and tax avoidance was facilitated through inefficient communication between jurisdictions. The community expects that tax administration is fair and equitable to all taxpayers and the sharing of this information promotes that principle. These benefits flow not just to the ACT but to other jurisdictions and the nation more broadly.
In short, we all benefit from good administration. This bill will support the government in its endeavours to make sure that tax laws are efficient and applied equally to all taxpayers. Tax avoidance will continue to be investigated and subsequent revenue collected. I commend the Taxation Administration Amendment Bill to the Assembly and thank members for their support.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Civil Unions Bill 2011
Debate resumed from 8 December 2011, on motion by Mr Corbell:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (10.54): It will come as no surprise that the Canberra Liberals will be opposing this bill. The Canberra Liberals have held a consistent position on this matter across the many times this government has tried to flout both commonwealth law and the fundamental philosophy and purpose of marriage.
What is that fundamental purpose? Marriage is the union of a man and woman, to the exclusion of others, made voluntarily and for life. An important, practical element of that union is in the procreation and rearing of children to sustain the integrity of
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video