Page 2138 - Week 07 - Thursday, 16 June 1994

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So, Madam Speaker, unless the commissioner was satisfied that those financial institutions, those dealers, had returned the tax to their clients, those requests for refund would be denied by the commissioner. It seems to me, Madam Speaker, that that could lead to some very costly litigation. As I say, I think commonsense dictates that we take a simple corrective measure, however unwillingly, however reluctantly, and set the matter right now.

I should also comment, Madam Speaker, that no-one has picked up this error, except the Revenue Office. None of the financial institutions have picked it up; the Scrutiny of Bills Committee did not pick it up. Had I done nothing about it, probably nobody would have picked it up. We could have just sat there collecting the tax with the incorrect instrument ad infinitum. Members opposite would never have known about it, and would never have had the opportunity to make their sanctimonious little speeches. However, it was picked up by the Revenue Office and, far from trying to hide it, they have come up with a proposition to correct the matter. I think that is admirable on their part. Madam Speaker, as I say, I regret that the error occurred; but I do think it is only commonsense to try to correct it. I commend the Bill to the Assembly.

Question put:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

The Assembly voted -

AYES, 9   NOES, 8

Mr Berry  Mrs Carnell

Mr Connolly Mr Cornwell

Ms Ellis  Mr De Domenico

Ms Follett  Mr Humphries

Mrs Grassby Mr Kaine

Mr Lamont Mr Stevenson

Ms McRae Ms Szuty

Mr Moore  Mr Westende

Mr Wood

Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.

Bill agreed to.

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