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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-05-13 Daily Xml
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VALUATION OF LAND (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 4 February 2009. Page 1180.)

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (21:11): I rise on behalf of the opposition to speak to the Hon. John Darley's Valuation of Land (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill, and indicate that the opposition will support it. The bill makes some necessary clarifications to the act along with some changes, which are underpinned by the notion of a more transparent and open state government. Of course, this government continually claims it is open and transparent but sadly we often do not see it.

The valuation of land has implications for rates and taxes and, as such, we see substantial argument for legislation that will work in favour of landowners. Mr Darley has also aimed the bill at a reduction of red tape in the bureaucratic process which, as a principle, the opposition always strives to support. The most significant part of the bill is that landowners will have free and open access to the information that valuers use to arrive at their valuations, and this amendment will be beneficial to all parties concerned. Landowners will have more substantial information to consider if they do disagree with the valuation, and therefore may be less driven to lodge objections; on the other side, landowners will be able to accept the valuation with far greater confidence and satisfaction.

I mentioned in my previous contribution that in my former life I was a farmer in the South-East, and it is interesting to note that at that time we had a near neighbour who had an unacceptable valuation on his property for council rating purposes. Council did not want to waiver from its valuation, and suggested that if he did not like it he should put the place on the market—similar, I think, to the sentiments of the current Treasurer when it comes to some land tax assessments. Our neighbour put the property on the market, and it was on the market for 12 months at the price the council said it was worth. However, not one other party was interested. At that point the council realised its valuation was wrong and revalued the property. I think there are plenty of other examples over a very long period of time which demonstrate that the Hon. John Darley's amendments will be of benefit.

Mr Darley also noted that the Valuer-General in Western Australia had commented on how important it had been to the success of their system to make it possible for owners to discuss their valuation with valuers before deciding to lodge an objection. Many people just need greater understanding of the evidence that the valuer used to reach a conclusion. Mr Darley also mentioned that it may cause some extra work for the Office of the Valuer-General; however, if fewer claims are lodged hopefully that will balance it out.

Under clause 6 of the proposed bill owners or occupiers will be informed of their rights to this information. Clauses 4 and 5 make a few clarifications to the valuation of heritage-listed properties, and these are important in order to retain their character rather than encouraging subdivision or the selling off of land because of excessive rates and taxes. I believe the introduction of relativity in valuation found in clause 3 is a sensible amendment; there is no compelling argument for two neighbours in identical properties to be paying very different rates and taxes based on substantially different valuations. As you can see, Mr President, that makes no sense at all. Mr Darley has identified part of the Western Australian valuation land tax which has been successful, and we should draw on that for greater fairness and equity in our system. I indicate that the opposition will be supporting the Hon. John Darley's amendments.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.

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