Page 165 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 11 February 2015

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MR BARR: Very little, because most of those changes did not come into effect until 1 January, certainly in relation to payroll. But in relation to land tax there were some changes. That is, of course, the level of land tax collection for the six months. The first six months of the fiscal year will be reported in the consolidated statements that I will table tomorrow.

MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.

MR WALL: Treasurer, what other reasons were there for the better than expected result in payroll and land tax?

MR BARR: The revenue officers are working closely with taxpayers and with industry associations to ensure that there is effective communication of people’s taxation obligations. I think it is fair to say that their efforts in engaging proactively with taxpayers are generating a better result. It is always preferable that people understand and meet their tax obligations. I repeat the point I made earlier: those who do the right thing, and they are the overwhelming majority, ensure that tax rates can be kept as low as possible. But we have an obligation to every Canberra ratepayer and every Canberra taxpayer to ensure that the law is upheld and that people pay their fair share of tax. If the Liberal Party want to be the party that supports tax cheats and tax avoiders, let them go for it.

Health—bush healing farm

MR COE: My question is for the Minister for Health. Minister, is the Ngunnawal bush healing farm safe for contractors to undertake work, despite the asbestos?

MR CORBELL: I am advised that the Ngunnawal bush healing farm is safe for work as long as it is undertaken in accordance with the approved asbestos management arrangements for the site.

MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Coe, a supplementary.

MR COE: Minister, is the asbestos at the site limited to the structures or is it spread across the property?

MR CORBELL: There are a number of instances of asbestos present at the site. That includes the dwelling that has been occupied by the caretaker, which is constructed of asbestos sheeting and needs to be managed in a responsible way. There are also instances of asbestos waste, bonded asbestos material as waste, in various locations across the property.

MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Hanson.

MR HANSON: Minister, what notification is required when asbestos is present at a construction or work site?

MR CORBELL: It will depend on what type of notification to what parties Mr Hanson is referring to.


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