Page 2186 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 August 2014
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MR BARR: Under the previous arrangements some companies who had various contractors on their books would find that some attracted the payroll tax and were not able to access the particular concession that had been provided, while others were able to access that particular exemption. This change will ensure that it is a level playing field for everyone and that there is not a disparity where some contractors attract a payroll tax concession and others do not.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Smyth.
MR SMYTH: Minister, when you also said that you have been listening to the industry’s concerns, who are you referring to?
MR BARR: I have had representations, obviously, from individual contractors and from the organisation Professionals Australia—their ACT branch—as well as discussions being held with the revenue commissioner. He has also held a number of meetings—fora if you like—with organisations that include the peak body nationally for contractors.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Treasurer, how many representations and requests for meetings from contractors have you received and how many meetings have you had?
MR BARR: I would not have the exact number. We have had around a hundred letters. Not all of them have requested meetings. Some have said if we wished to discuss their individual circumstances further, then we could contact them. Some contact has occurred. I have met with organisations representing groups of contractors, including Professionals Australia last week. We will continue our engagement with the sector. The revenue commissioner has put out a number of circulars and held a number of information sessions for the relevant players, and we will continue to do so in the transition to the new taxation arrangements.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Treasurer, are you aware there is no industry body representing contractors?
MR BARR: A range of bodies have a peak overlap, if you like, of the different areas that are represented. There is no one body; that is true. But organisations like Professionals Australia, who have a number of members who are contractors, have a collective view on issues. There are also organisations at a national level who look after independent contractors, but the nature of this work is that these are a lot of independent people. In some instances they coalesce; in others they do not. Their circumstances vary greatly. Some were able to access the payroll tax concession, others were not. There are a large number of people for whom their competitive disadvantage is removed as a result of this change.
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