8 February 2007

Bowens Backflip on Tax Law Changes

At the time of introduction of Tax Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No. 7) Bill into Parliament, the Government offered Labor the opportunity to refer the Bill to a Senate Committee which they rejected.

Labor has now backflipped and asked for the Bill to be referred.

“The Government is rightly wary of Labor’s intent. At best this backflip is evidence of their lack of understanding on business issues. At worst it is a political stunt which threatens to delay and prevent business from accessing the benefits of this Bill.”

“Having secured a tight reporting deadline, the Government has acted in good faith and agreed for this Bill to proceed to the Senate Committee. Australian businesses and the Government expect Labor to do the same and not initiate any of their usual political delaying tactics.”

"This Government has delivered and managed a strong economy because we have engaged with business. We have consulted with stakeholders on these sorts of issues more than any other Australian Government.”

"From time to time there are unintended consequences, despite extensive consultation processes, so if the Senate Committee comes up with good recommendations we will adopt them,” Mr Dutton said.

"That has always been the Government’s position. We have a fast moving and ever-evolving market and we respond where we need to.”

“It is part of the reason we have turned around Labor’s failures in managing the Australian economy,” he said.

“Only the Howard Government has the experience to maintain Australia’s prosperity.”