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None . . Page.. 1121 ..

We had increases, and Mr De Domenico mentioned some of them, over three-year periods of 44 per cent in Kambah, 62 per cent in Macarthur, 44 per cent in Wanniassa, 57 per cent in O'Connor, 77 per cent in Reid - the list goes on. Under this policy, while we do a full review, it is 4 per cent on your last rates bill. There can be no messing around from there because that is the policy, that is the basis of the Bill.

In conclusion, the proposed land tax reforms introduce significant improvements in the current system. At the conclusion of the external review of the valuation and rating system in the ACT, I look forward to introducing further improvements that will benefit the people of the ACT and will ensure a predictable system and an affordable system for Canberra ratepayers.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill agreed to in principle.

Detail Stage

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole

MS FOLLETT (Leader of the Opposition) (4.35): I move:

Page 2, lines 30 and 31, clause 5, proposed new paragraph 11A(3)(e), omit the paragraph, substitute the following paragraph:

“(e) section 29 applies in respect of the fixing of the valuation under paragraph (b) as if it were a determination of the unimproved value of the parcel.”.

This amendment goes to a very important question of natural justice. It allows people who want to appeal against the valuation on their property to do so. Last year, when people's valuations were advised to them, as a matter of common practice they received a note with their rates advising them of their appeal rights and how to make an appeal. This year, under the Government's Bill, people have no such right. I believe that there is no way that at this time last year people could have known that the valuation would be used for two years. It is therefore only a matter of natural justice that they again be advised this year of their appeal rights and that they have the entitlement to make an appeal.

I know that Mrs Carnell does not understand this; but it is a fact that many people in Canberra, like me, who have owned property for 20 or more years, recognise that your rates go up and down.

Mrs Carnell: But they have not gone down. They have always gone up. They have not gone down once.

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