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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 1 Hansard (16 February) . . Page.. 117 ..
Schedule
MR HARGREAVES (11.55): Mr Speaker, it seems to me that it is a pointless exercise to pursue this matter, so I will not.
Schedule agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
Debate resumed from 19 November 1998, on motion by Ms Carnell:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
MR QUINLAN (11.56): Mr Speaker, essentially, this Bill strengthens powers in relation to the collection of land taxes, particularly entry and inspection powers, and it refines the assessment process to take out some possible incorrect assessments or overtaxing. In that regard, the Opposition is prepared to support the Bill. As an aspiring Treasurer, I have no objection to the Government collecting rates and taxes that are legally payable. I always harbour some concerns when I encounter enhanced powers, but I notice the Government's intention to bring forward a further amendment softening the Bill in relation to entry to residential premises, or premises used partially for residential purposes. I give notice that we will support that amendment.
In general, we accept the Government's assertion that these powers are similar to those available to the Australian Taxation Office and to revenue officers in most other taxation jurisdictions. The Opposition supports the Bill and the proposed amendment.
MS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (11.57), in reply: Mr Speaker, I should present the revised explanatory memorandum to the Bill at this stage. I thank Mr Quinlan for his support for the Bill. This Bill is an important piece of legislation. Obviously, protecting the revenue base of the ACT is important, while ensuring that our legislation, wherever possible, is in line with legislation in other parts of Australia. I thank members for their support and I will move the amendment a little later.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole
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