Page 2249 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 9 May 2012
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Finally, on payroll tax, Mr Smyth, it would be useful for you to understand the difference between rates and thresholds and the national administration. You would perhaps want to look at the comments of the new Premier of Queensland, who believes that there should be a competitive federal model and competition between jurisdictions on rates and thresholds. But there is support for harmonisation of the legislative environment and the possibility even of the Australian Taxation Office collecting payroll tax on behalf of all jurisdictions. That would be a sensible national harmonisation and one that I hope all parties would support. (Time expired.)
MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (3.50), in reply: I thank members for their support of the motion. Unfortunately, the opposition’s support is tempered with criticism of the announcement, the way the announcement was made and personal remarks about the Treasurer. Perhaps the opposition has nothing to say that is useful about taxes and, indeed, the review. Again, Mr Smyth spent most of his time going back to the future, and I am sure that we could join in this less than useful exercise of reviewing the past.
Then we get to the ridiculous situation where Mr Smyth is saying, and I think I am quoting correctly here, “My threshold is bigger than yours.” It is a lost opportunity for Mr Smyth and for the opposition which, on the day after the federal budget being presented, are so disinterested in the effect of the federal budget on the ACT that they asked not one substantive question of the Chief Minister or the Treasurer—
Mr Seselja interjecting—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Le Couteur): Mr Seselja, Mr Smyth.
MS PORTER: during question time. Ms Hunter, by contrast, has obviously read the report and the government’s response and is ready to engage the government and the community on these important matters.
Nonetheless, despite the opposition’s distinct lack of interest in the matter, I thank members for their support as I believe it has the support of all parties in the Assembly. I thank the Treasurer for his response to the review and the foreshadowed work. I also would join with Ms Hunter and the Treasurer by thanking the panel for their work.
Motion agreed to.
Commonwealth public service—contribution
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (3.52): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes:
(a) the significant contribution to the life of Australia made by Commonwealth public servants in Canberra;
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