RESIDENTIAL TENANTS DESERVE SAME LAND TAX RELIEF AS BUSINESS

Bartlett Labor Again Forgets the Battlers

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Bartlett government of abandoning the many Tasmanians who rely on private rental accommodation by its failure to require landlords to pass on any land tax savings to their residential tenants.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that if the Premier, David Bartlett, was serious about listening to concerns, then he should also have considered raising the lower threshold bars rather than only focussing on the top end.

“There has been growing concern that the spike in land tax bills, largely associated with property owners, also has a negative impact upon Tasmanians reliant on the private rental market as landlords raise rents to help cover their land tax bills,” Mr McKim said.

“David Bartlett’s land tax backflip only requires landlords to pass on any land tax savings to their business tenants but not residential tenants, despite there being an ongoing and identified squeeze on affordable housing.”

“There is no excuse for not granting residential tenants the same land tax relief as is being provided to business tenants, and if David Bartlett had truly listened to all of the concerns raised he would have done so.”

“Once again Labor has forgotten and abandoned the Tasmanian battlers.”

“Labor’s desire to be in the good books at the big end of town is also demonstrated by its failure to raise the tax threshold which means there is no change or relief for those on the two lower bands, and all the benefits channelled into the two top bands.”

Mr McKim reiterated the Greens’ position that a comprehensive and considered review of land tax is necessary, and that assessment should be informed by the Federal Henry Tax review.
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader