Page 1981 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 August 2014
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threshold I think our system favours small and medium-sized businesses. That is a preferable outcome to the arrangements that are in place across the border in New South Wales.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Treasurer, what exactly were you referring to when you made those statements to the Canberra Times?
MR BARR: The Canberra Times did not, of course, include the complete statement I made, which was that we have the highest threshold—
Opposition members interjecting—
MR BARR: We exempt the most businesses.
Mr Hanson interjecting—
MR BARR: Yes, and for businesses with a payroll of up to $4.85 million or thereabouts we do, because we exempt them from paying payroll tax. Looking at the rates in other jurisdictions, in Tasmania it is 6.1 per cent and in the Northern Territory and Western Australia it is 5.4. So, yes, we are a little above those jurisdictions, but they have thresholds. In New South Wales, once your payroll goes over $750,000 you are slugged with payroll tax. If that is your position, if that is what you want, every business—
Mr Hanson: No, we just want you to tell the truth.
MR BARR: If you want every business in the ACT—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Barr, address the chair.
Mr Hanson: We just want you to tell the truth.
MR BARR: If the opposition want every business in the ACT with a payroll of more than $750,000—
MADAM SPEAKER: Sit down, Mr Barr. Can you stop the clock, please? Would you withdraw that, please, Mr Hanson? You said that you wanted Mr Barr to tell the truth. The imputation is that he was lying. Please withdraw the imputation.
Mr Hanson: I withdraw.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. Mr Barr.
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, in New South Wales, if your payroll hits over $750,000 you are hit with the payroll tax. In Victoria it is $550,000. They are the two policy choices—higher threshold, higher rate, or low threshold, low rate. It depends how many businesses you want to catch within your
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