Barry Haase (Kalgoorlie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to address once again in this place the issue of taxation zone rebates for remote and moderately remote Australia. It is over 10 years since anything was done to revisit this situation, to gauge modern trends, modern cost comparisons and modern sets of disability in comparison to city dwellers.

In suburban and metropolitan areas, public transport is something that is supported by governments as a matter of course; it is automatic. In rural and remote areas of Australia, there is no such thing as public transport. In fact, charter aircraft have become the nearest thing to public transport in many areas in my electorate. I have repeatedly called on my government to positively address the current inequities of the taxation zone rebate. In zone B, back in 1945, an amount of about ₤20 was available for a 12-month period. That equates today, with inflation, to about $1,060. In fact, we are paying $57. It is unacceptable, and something ought to be done about it. I am constantly told that it is unconstitutional. Section 51 of the Constitution, relating to the taxation power, states:

The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Commonwealth with respect to:

…            …            …

(ii)

Taxation; but so as not to discriminate between States or parts of States;

Section 99 states:

The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade, commerce, or revenue, give preference to one State or any part thereof over another State or any part thereof.

Peter Slipper (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

They give preference to Canberra though. It is terrible.

84T Haase, Barry, MPMr HAASE—It is indeed. I believe it is time those two sections were put to the test and, once and for all, this opposition to bringing the taxation zone rebate up to date was put to rest. These sections of the Constitution ought to be put to the test. There is too great a need for the powerhouse of Australia, which is in remote areas in my electorate, to be given equity to attract genuine residents back to those areas, to develop the communities in those areas and to give those who are brave enough, tough enough and dedicated enough to live in those areas some degree of equity with city dwellers. I am saying to this place that out of my section of remote Australia comes the wealth that drives this nation. We maintain the balance of power with phenomenal exports, and yet we are given no equity by this government when it comes to the taxation zone rebate. If it is not equitable and increased, then it ought not to be maintained. (Time expired)