Page 2140 - Week 10 - Thursday, 26 October 1989
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of opportunity, I think, for the member to observe the benefits which will accrue. Not least among those benefits which will accrue will be substantial savings in rent because the rental arrangements in Tuggeranong are most attractive compared to other parts of the city.
MR MOORE: I have a supplementary question, Mr Speaker. Considering in particular the role of educational consultants, will the Minister carefully investigate the impact of such a move if we separate them from library facilities, from a central location which is important for that particular role, and from administrative functions? Would he consider moving the administrative section of that department rather than the schools section?
MR WHALAN: Yes.
Payroll Tax
MR KAINE: I would like to pick up on a question that Mr Collaery asked earlier and address a couple of questions to the Chief Minister. They are quite specific questions. We hear a great deal about this Government's openness and consultative approach. Chief Minister, at any time since the Payroll Tax (Amendment) Bill was laid on the table, at any time before 8 o'clock this morning, has the Government attempted to discuss with the major employer organisations in this city the content of that Bill, to explain to them the nature of the Bill and why it is being put into place? If not, given this commitment to consultation and openness, what was the Government afraid of in taking this matter up with the major employers in this city?
MS FOLLETT: I believe that I have already answered the question as to the consultation process that took place on the proposed amendments to the Payroll Tax (Amendment) Bill.
Mr Kaine: I am talking about the detail of the Bill itself, not the general intent of it, which you talked about before.
MS FOLLETT: I think I answered that when I said that the Bill has been on the floor of this Assembly since September, the exact date I forget, but it is about a month ago. To answer Mr Kaine's second question about what am I afraid of, the answer is "nothing". In looking at the amendments, we are seeking to close loopholes in the payment of payroll tax, we are seeking to abolish the kinds of scams that have led to non-payment in some instances of payroll tax, and we are seeking in short to correct a question of tax avoidance. I am not afraid of that.
MR KAINE: I ask a supplementary question in clarification, Mr Speaker. Am I to understand, Chief Minister, that some time between the date that the Bill was tabled in this
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