Question Time

Land Tax

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:18): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment a question regarding taxation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: During the estimates process the minister was asked whether he had received any negative feedback from investors or the private sector about the Liberal government's land tax changes. The minister responded 'that not one of them has raised this as a concern'. My questions to the minister are: now that he has had his feet planted firmly back in SA for a few days, is he aware of any investors or representatives from the private sector who have raised concerns about the Liberal government's proposed land tax? Has the minister met with or listened to the concerns of the Property Council or Business SA regarding the Liberal government's land tax changes?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for his question and, for some context, I will respond. When I responded during estimates, I had had a discussion with my department the day prior in relation to the companies that we may be talking to, both interstate and overseas, about relocating to Adelaide or opening up a business here, or investing here, so when I said that not one had raised it, that was the advice that I was given: that, of the people that we are talking to interstate and overseas, the issue of land tax had not been raised with them.

Of course, I am well aware of some of the concerns that have been raised by the Property Council and Business SA. Even though I was out of the country, I do have some connectivity so there were emails and the like and the sort of, if you like, group emails that go out. As the Treasurer said, we are still looking at the proposed changes.

There is, if you like, a bill that we are consulting on, which the Treasurer and his team are doing, and I am sure over time that will give industry an opportunity to have another look at it. I have not met formally with any of those groups because at the moment we are still in the consultation phase. What are we discussing? I am leaving that to my very capable and trusted colleague, the Treasurer.

The PRESIDENT: Supplementary, Leader of the Opposition.