Land Tax

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (15:11): Supplementary: so the aggregation area is not negotiable, the rate is not negotiable and the threshold is not negotiable. Is the Treasurer saying that in this sham consultation the only thing that is negotiable is technical elements of drafting?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (15:11): Mr President, I have not got much to add to what I have already put on the public record both in this chamber and publicly as well.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: We have consulted for 12 weeks.

The Hon. K.J. Maher interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I know the Leader of the Opposition is easily excited. The littlest things excite the Leader of the Opposition and good luck to him. Whatever gets him excited over in that chair, let him enjoy it.

The essential elements of the package have been as a result of 12 weeks of negotiation, where we have engaged with individuals, stakeholders and others. There is now a draft bill, which has been circulated and if there are sensible recommendations in relation to the draft bill—and we wouldn't expect those to come from the Labor Party, as my colleague indicates—but if there are sensible suggestions in relation to the drafting of the bill, we are prepared to consult on those particular issues.