Page 126 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 28 November 2012
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Mr Seselja interjecting—
MR BARR: 33,000 properties had their rates cut as a result of the changes.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members!
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. 33,000 properties had their rates cut and the concessions and rebates that were increased ensured that for all of those in those lower value properties, the combination of the rates decreases and the increases in—
Mr Seselja interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr Seselja, Mr Barr has the floor.
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Those properties that received a rates cut equalled nearly 25 per cent of all properties in the territory. Of course, everyone who was in receipt of a concession, particularly pensioners—I will come to this in a moment—had that rebate increased. It is important to note that these measures are designed to ensure that the tax system is sustainable in the long run and that it allows the government to maintain and enhance the high standard of living that our community enjoys.
In saying this, the guiding principle behind the reform plan has always been that those households who can least afford it should pay less and those who can most afford it should make a greater contribution. That is a very sound and progressive principle to apply to taxation. It is why targeting concessions and assistance are a very important part of tax reform.
For example, through the expansion of the pensioner duty concession scheme, from the beginning of July this year homes valued at up to $570,000—up from $470,000—were made eligible for a full pensioner duty concession and the partial concession was extended on homes valued up to $715,000.
The expansion of the general rates rebate for pensioners and concession cardholders is another key way of delivering a significant cost of living benefit to low income earners. I noticed that the Leader of the Opposition opposed this as well. So he wanted every pensioner to have their rebates go back from $565 to $481. There is your champion of social justice, Madam Speaker!
The Leader of the Opposition wants pensioners to pay more whilst he delivers big tax cuts to those who live on Mugga Way. That is the difference between Labor and Liberal. The Leader of the Opposition wants pensioners to pay more and concession cardholders to pay more, but he wants to give big tax cuts to the millionaires’ row on Mugga Way. He used Red Hill as an example. That is the contrast. I am very happy for that policy contrast to be front and centre.
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