Page 1513 - Week 06 - Thursday, 2 July 2020
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Further to this, you have the additional scandal of how units are calculated. The ratings methodology for units used to be divide, then calculate. Now it is calculate, then divide. It might sound pretty minor, a couple of words here and there. What it means is that the vast majority of apartment buildings, of unit complexes, are now in the top tax bracket or, if not, in a very high tax bracket so far as it relates to the ratings methodology. That has driven the rates of unit holders in the ACT through the roof.
The Canberra Liberals are proud of our genuine commitment—of our plan to lower rates in the ACT and, by doing that, lower the cost of living and make housing more affordable for the struggling families of the ACT. We are proud of our four-year commitment—rather than the Labor Party’s flash-in-the-pan $150 announcement that is an insult to so many people who are doing it tough in this city.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry, and Investment) (2.59): I move:
Omit all text after “That this Assembly”, substitute:
“(1) notes that:
(a) the COVID-19 pandemic is having a big impact on the budgets of many Canberra households and the ACT Government is helping Canberra families, workers and businesses through this challenging time;
(b) the ACT Government has announced that, in 2020-21, average rates increases will be 0 percent (inclusive of the $150 rebate on rates bills to be automatically applied to the first quarter notices this financial year), with this measure providing an actual rates reduction in this financial year for over 110 000 Canberra households, in a year where they will need it most;
(c) a range of government fees, charges and levies such as parking, business registration, the fire and emergency services levy and development application fees will not increase in the 2020-21 financial year;
(d) a range of fee waivers and rebates have been provided to support businesses and keep Canberrans employed;
(e) the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission’s final decision on regulated electricity prices in the ACT will see an average price decrease of 2.56 percent from 1 July 2020, with the main cause of this price decrease being due to renewable generation capacity, with this measure resulting in a decrease in annual electricity costs of $43 for the average Canberran household;
(f) the ACT Government is acting to lower petrol prices across the Territory, and keep prices at a fair level for Canberra motorists at or below the national average;
(g) the ACT Government announced that, from 4 June 2020, it will significantly reduce the stamp duty for eventual owner-occupiers on the purchase of:
(i) new land single residential blocks to zero;
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