PASTORAL LEASE RENTS

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (27 March 2012).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure has been advised:

1. The rents were comprehensively reviewed in 2005 and rent reviews were also communicated by the Valuer-General to the Pastoral Board for the years 2008 to 2012 inclusive.

2. The Valuer-General determined the rate of return in accordance with the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 (the Act).

3. The Valuer-General and his representatives are aware of the requirements under the Act and their communication is consistent with the Act.

Advice provided to pastoralists by the Pastoral Board in the form of a Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet, along with rent notices, clearly states that it is the Valuer-General's responsibility to determine the rate of return, rents and unimproved values. It also specifically states that the Pastoral Board has no role in setting the unimproved values of pastoral leases, the rate of return and pastoral lease rents. This is undertaken by the Valuer-General as required under the Act.

Further relevant information about the Valuer-General's role in determining unimproved values and rents was also published in the February 2012 edition of 'Across the Outback'.

4. The Valuer-General determined the rate of return in accordance with the Act.