The views put forward by the Business Tax and Regulation Reference Group to the Henry Taxation Review were not Government policy, the Treasurer, Michael Aird said today.
Mr Aird said he established the independent Group in 2008 to draw on the expertise and experience which exists across the Tasmanian business community.
“The group was not formed to reflect the views of Government but rather its principal aim was to promote a dialogue between the Government and business community.
“I inquired today why the Group's submission was not on the Commonwealth website along with other submissions received by the Henry Review.
“I asked the Review to put it on their website.
“I repeat the Report is not Government policy.
“The Government will not be imposing land tax on all homeowners who are now exempt from the tax.
“It is a bit rich for Peter Gutwein to suggest that I have withheld an independent report which I was happy to be submitted to the Henry Review.
“I had no input into its preparation and did not see the final submission.
“The Liberals and Greens did not even bother to make a submission or if they did it is not on the website.
“The Henry Review Panel will deliver its final report to the Commonwealth Treasurer in December.
“There is no doubt that this Review will result in further changes to national and state taxation.
“When the Henry Review is finalised the Tasmanian Government is prepared to work with the Australian Government to achieve further taxation reform.”
