The Treasurer, Peter Gutwein, must come clean on the details of his big new farm tax that could cost jobs and investment at a time when Tasmania’s unemployment is already the worst in the country.
Labor Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Shane Broad, said the Government was attempting to ram through the big new tax with no consultation.
“It is concerning that key stakeholders, including the Tasmanian Famers and Graziers Association have not been consulted on the tax, more than two months after it was announced,” Dr Broad said.
“There are no details on how it will apply and who will be caught in the net.
“Labor’s concern is that there is the potential for an investment drought until business and investors have some certainty – that could cost jobs.
“The tax could be applied to businesses with as little as 20 per cent foreign equity, which captures a number of family owned farms.
“Peter Gutwein has dreamed up this big new farm tax in a desperate attempt to plug his $1.1 billion budget black hole.
“Now farm jobs are under threat from the Government’s budget incompetence.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Water
