After a 1985 tax summit that saw a raft of reforms progressed – but Paul Keating’s ambition for a broad-based consumption tax thwarted – the then-Treasurer mused philosophically: “It’s a bit like Ben-Hur – we’ve crossed the line with one wheel off the chariot.”
The Marshall Government has fast-tracked a major spending commitment to build 1000 new affordable homes on government-owned land, in a move that could win over Greens support to pass Treasurer Rob Lucas’s contentious land tax reforms.
UPDATED | The Marshall Government’s contentious land tax changes could yet become law, with crossbencher John Darley confirming a deal with Rob Lucas to secure his crucial vote – but the fresh changes are set to cost the Treasurer crucial support from previous backers of the Bill.
Treasurer Rob Lucas is considering further significant reductions in land tax rates in a bid to appease interest groups and key independent John Darley, according to a letter sent by the state’s Property Council urging the intransigent crossbencher to back the Bill.