Land Tax

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14:59): My question is to the Premier. How many land tax payers will face higher bills under the government's land tax aggregation changes?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:59): I don't have those exact details with me, but we will be implementing the changes that are envisaged in this area on 1 July next year. We will be undertaking some consultation on our proposed changes. I note that most jurisdictions in Australia are looking to address this loophole; New South Wales and Victoria have already moved on this issue.

I do make the strong point to this house that we will be doing this at the time that we will be implementing very, very significant land tax reform, particularly in the form of increasing the threshold and reducing the rate payable for those businesses with a landholding of under $5 million. As outlined by the Treasurer yesterday, there will be a further reduction in the top marginal rate for those people above $5 million, which will start as we commence the tightening of the aggregation provisions.