TAX REFORM
1205. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the minister representing the
Treasurer:
The Leader of the House might have
the answer to this question as well, so it might pay for her to check.
I
note the release of the Government mid-year financial projections statement
today following the September budget.
(1) What taxation reform has the McGowan government
initiated in either the September budget or the mid-year review?
(2) What economic reforms have been
funded in either the September budget or the mid-year review?
(3) What taxation
reform has the government planned during the state economic boom that has
occurred between 2019 and 2022?
(4) If there is
no plan for taxation reform, why is the McGowan government dooming this state
to repeat the boom and bust cycle into the future when it has the greatest
revenues in the state's history?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I provide this answer on behalf of the Minister
for Mental Health.
(1) The 2021–22 state budget included the
extension of the off-the-plan transfer duty rebate for pre-construction
contracts in a multi-tiered strata scheme for a further two years, as well as
land tax relief for residents affected by
the Wooroloo bushfire and cyclone Seroja disasters to ensure they maintained
their tax-exempt status for a primary residence or primary production
business.
(2) A significant number of economic reforms have been
included in the 2021–22 state budget and the 2021–22
midyear review. These include initiatives such as a $120 million package for
additional frontline officers in five agencies to speed up approvals processes,
$2 million to oversee the implementation of priority regulatory reforms across the local government and liquor sectors,
forestry policy reforms and the automatic mutual recognition of
occupational registrations.
(3) The state government continues to look at ways to
improve the fairness and efficiency of Western Australia's tax system and will consider further initiatives
to grow the economy and make tax policy decisions that are in the best
interests of the Western Australian community.
(4) Not applicable.