Page 2295 - Week 07 - Thursday, 4 August 2016
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MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (11.01): The bill before us today is a fairly small bill but one which will make some neat changes towards making our rates fairer and clearer. The bill amends three acts. It amends the Rates Act to clarify the date of valuations for rates calculations to ensure that all valuations are set at 1 January of that financial year for rates. The other amendment to the Rates Act in this bill is to change rates classification for both residential and commercial rates calculations to be based on the actual use of the site, rather than the current system whereby rates are calculated on the potential or eligible use of the site. This seems inherently fairer and something the Greens can support.
The bill also amends the Taxation Administration Act to allow the Commissioner for ACT Revenue to appoint authorised valuers with dedicated powers of entry and inspection. There are also a number of minor amendments to the Duties Act that remove a range of obsolete references which are no longer necessary.
Noting that this is a minor reform, it is nonetheless a reform that we support, and I am happy to support the bill today on behalf of the Greens.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Urban Renewal) (11.02), in reply: This bill is an essential part of the ACT Revenue Office’s continuous improvement efforts. It is important to regularly revisit tax legislation to make it simpler, fairer and more efficient; to reduce red tape; and to correct minor errors. Efficient administration benefits all taxpayers in the community, as it improves equity between taxpayers and allows the Revenue Office to deploy its resources in the best possible way. I thank members for their support of this legislation.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Crimes (Serious and Organised Crime) Legislation Amendment Bill 2016
Debate resumed from 9 June 2016, on motion by Mr Corbell:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (11.04): The Canberra Liberals will be supporting this bill. It amends eight territory laws targeting serious and organised crime by giving ACT Policing powers, particularly in relation to the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs, to target and disrupt serious and organised crime to ensure that the ACT community is safe from violence, drug trafficking and illegal activities.
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