The Beattie Labor Government should use next month’s State Budget to provide real tax relief to residents in Queensland, Peter Dutton, Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer said today.
“Since 2001 dozens of State Taxes have risen for Queenslanders,” Mr Dutton said.
“At the same time, the Howard Government is delivering a strong economy with record levels of employment, strong real wage growth, tax cuts and no tax on super end benefits for over 60s from 1 July 2007.”
“It’s about time Peter Beattie and Labor provided tax relief for Queensland tax payers,” he said.
The Beattie Labor Government will receive $8.4 billion in 2007-08.
“In Queensland, the State Labor Government collected $700 million in stamp duty in 2000-01. In 2006-07 this is expected to rise to $2.3 billion – a rise of over 300%.”
“Mr Beattie should provide Queenslanders with property tax relief.” “In 2000-01 the Beattie Labor Government collected $1.17 billion in payroll tax. In 2006-07 this is forecast to rise to $2.2 billion.”
“Mr Beattie should give Queensland businesses payroll tax relief.”
“Under the Beattie Labor Government, Land Tax in Queensland is forecast to increase from 0.22% of State GDP to 0.29% of State GDP in 2007-08. Over the same period, Land Tax in New South Wales and Victoria is expected to fall as a proportion of State GDP,” Mr Dutton said.
Mr Dutton said Mr Beattie should give Queensland home owners the same tax relief enjoyed by residents in New South Wales and Victoria.
“If Labor was serious about the future prosperity of Queensland, he would provide practical tax relief in the June Budget,” he said.