Liberals ignore sensible ideas while they blow budget

Tasmanian Labor
  • All other states have adopted point of consumption tax – why hasn't Tasmania?
  • Measure would ensure state gets return from gambling companies
  • Gutwein has Budget headed for $343 in net debt
  • A point of consumption tax would make sure Tasmania gets a fair return of revenue from gambling products.

    Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said with all mainland states adopting the measure, it was incumbent on Treasurer Peter Gutwein to explain why Tasmania is not doing similar.

    "Treasurer Gutwein has the Budget headed for $343 million in net debt*," Mr Bacon said.

    "Meanwhile the Liberals are ignoring sensible policy ideas that would bring additional money into the Budget.

    "Labor first called for a point of consumption tax on online gambling in 2017.

    "All other states have now adopted a point of consumption tax."

    The point of consumption tax only applies to gambling companies and not punters.

    "Labor's policy includes a tax-free threshold of $150,000 to make sure small bookmakers are protected," Mr Bacon said.

    "The Liberal Government broke a huge promise to the racing industry when it cut stakes money by 13 per cent across all three codes.

    "Instead of breaking promises and making cuts, Treasurer Gutwein needs to explain why Tasmania hasn't made this sensible taxation measure that would help boost Tasmania's bottom line."

    *https://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/Documents/Revised%20Estimates%20Report%202018-19%20(including%20the%20December%20Quarterly%20Report).pdf

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