Taxation Reform

The Hon. T.R. KENYON (Newland) (14:33): My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer update the house on the progress of the state taxation reform initiative?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister for Small Business) (14:33): I would like to thank the member for Newland for his question and keen interest in tax. As the house would be aware, the Premier announced a state taxation reform initiative in February. To support and inform public debate on this important issue, a discussion paper was produced which provides readers with much more information that had not been made publicly available until the review. We did that for a very clear reason. We want the process to be transparent, and we want people to be able to continue knowing all the facts.

Tax reform is a rare opportunity. I will just wave to the member for Heysen, who is videotaping using a phone—I am very impressed. Tax reform is a rare opportunity and, when it comes around, we want to make sure that the South Australian community has every opportunity to be involved. To that end, the government has held several public functions, with more planned before the consultation ends. Last Wednesday, Chris Richardson and I spoke at a CEDA function in front of nearly 180 guests from government and industry to outline the challenges and opportunities of tax reform. On Friday I travelled to the South-East to Kingston with the Under Treasurer, Mr Brett Rowse, to speak at a forum comprising the SELGA group—

The Hon. J.J. Snelling: How did Brett go?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Brett did very well, mixing with real people.

The Hon. J.J. Snelling interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, he was very good being out.

The Hon. J.J. Snelling interjecting:

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: Yes, it was.

The Hon. J.J. Snelling: Did you have to will him out with a hockey mask on the face?

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS: We made sure there were no children present. The meeting was well attended, and I appreciate a robust discussion and debate around state taxation. I really want to thank the local mayor, Mr Reg Lyon, of the Kingston District Council for hosting us, and I look forward to returning to the region soon.

On Monday the government held a forum in Adelaide in which key industry and business groups were invited to discuss state taxation from a business perspective. Mr Chris Richardson from Deloitte Access Economics provided some very interesting background to tax reform processes that he has been previously involved in as well as some very good advice to those who were in the room. He encouraged people to respond to the government's request for submissions but to be careful when informing a response.

He noted that South Australia sits alone at the moment on embarking on a review of its state taxation regime and it should be treated with a sense of excitement and also a sense of caution. Mr Richardson also noted that at the end of the day we all have our responsibility as citizens and community leaders to improve our state and leave South Australia a better place.

The state tax review provides us with an opportunity and gives us the potential to deliver lasting benefits for our state and economy if we get it right. Further regional forums are planned including in Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Lincoln. I will be having one-on-one sessions with people from the Property Council, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Civil Contractors, the Shopping Centre Council, and Small Business Roundtable in the coming weeks to hear their points of view.

I am also looking forward to hearing from members opposite. I have been stopped in the corridor many times by members of parliament who are very anxious to give me their personal points of view, not always in line with that of the leadership but that is okay. People are entitled to their own points of view, but I also note that the opposition has formed a view on tax reform without even taking it to their party room. That is a disappointing outcome by the opposition.

Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN: Point of order, Mr Speaker: I believe the Treasurer is debating the question.

The SPEAKER: Yes, I think he may have been. I uphold the point of order.