GM HOLDEN

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite) (14:28): Given the Premier's answer, can he tell the house whether Holden received any tax concessions or exemptions from the state government in the last year?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for the Arts) (14:29): The first concession that they receive is the very substantial reduction in payroll tax that has occurred during the life of this government. We have reduced the rate from 5.67 to 4.95 per cent and increased the tax-free threshold from $504,000 to $600,000. That is a very substantial benefit that has been enjoyed by Holden during the life of this government, a measure that was introduced some years ago by this state Labor government.

So they have enjoyed the benefit of a substantial reduction in their payroll tax arrangements. In relation to their land tax arrangements, they would also be the beneficiaries of the indexation of the taxation scales which have also led to substantial benefits for businesses in South Australia. I will bring the precise advantages that Holden has received by virtue of that tax relief back to the house and if there—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: They don't seem to like the fact that we have provided tax relief to businesses in South Australia more generally. They seem to also be implying that they want me to inquire as to whether there has been some further relief, and I will inquire as to those matters and bring back an answer to the house.