Page 293 - Week 01 - Thursday, 13 February 2020
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website today—that a broad-based taxation system which is effectively rates and/or land tax based is better than one which relies on stamp duty, that is, occasional transactions. We need government services every year we are here, and it is fair enough that we should contribute to them every year rather than just in those years in which we are unfortunate or lucky enough to be part of a transaction of buying and selling a house in Canberra.
I recognise that there are issues with our current rates system. I am not trying to say that it is perfect. The Greens have been talking about this at some length. I am very pleased that, partly as a result of our advocacy, the system for rates deferrals for older Canberrans has been significantly improved and that people have even been informed about the deferrals they are entitled to.
There is more work to be done on how we actually work out the rates within the rating system. I am very pleased that the government is currently doing some work on that. I look forward to the experts reporting back on the impact of the changes in the rates systems for people in various parts of Canberra. The basic proposition that a broad-based system rather than a transaction-based system is fairer is actually fairly non-controversial, although, obviously, I am wrong in terms of this Assembly.
There have been lots of other things that the Greens have pushed for which have been good for cost of living pressures, particularly access to dental care for low income Canberrans. We have put a lot of energy into innovative ways to have homeshare and land tax exemptions et cetera, so that there is more affordable housing.
I thank Mr Wall for bringing forward this important topic, and I look forward to listening to the rest of the discussion on it.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (4.31): I do not wish to make any comment on the importance of issues, but it is fascinating that, when we are here to discuss the cost of living pressures for all Canberrans, I note that there is not a great deal of presence of members on the other side of the chamber. If we were discussing, for argument’s sake, something to do with climate change in an MPI, I wonder if the other side of the chamber would be full. They are both extremely important issues. I just want to note that there is not a great deal of interest by those on the other side in talking about the cost of living.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Tuggeranong, I would say to Ms Le Couteur that I think they are pretty keen to keep their cars. But that is just me.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I try as much as possible to spend less time in this building and more time in the streets of Tuggeranong. It is nothing against you; it is just that I feel more at home down there. I can tell you without any doubt that the number one thing that the people of Tuggeranong talk to me about is the cost of living here in Canberra. I am speaking for Martina from Banks, Jose and Rosa from Longmore Crescent and Marica from Bonython. The people of Tuggeranong are absolutely irate about the cost of their rates—rates which they pay each year, yet when they take a stroll down to the local shops, they still have to skip, hop and jump their way down the footpath to avoid all of the cracks and breaks along the way.
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