Premier Jay Weatherill has suggested that tax reforms flagged by a State Government review could be included in next month’s state budget.
At a recent local council function, Weatherill enthused about the state’s payroll tax regime but said: “I’m sure there’s more we can do and you’ll see how we respond in the Budget.”
Consultation on the State Government’s tax review closed in late April, after it released a raft of possible reforms in February.
The reform ideas included a controversial proposal to replace conveyance duty with a broad-based land tax on all properties.
“Everything’s on the table,” Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis told InDaily at the time.
This morning, Weatherill was challenged on progress on tax reform during an interview on FIVEaa.
He confirmed the state budget would include some adjustments to SA’s tax regime.
“The tax review will find its expression, at least in part, in the budget, yes,” he said.
When asked specifically about business taxes, he said: “Well you’ll have to wait and see. Obviously we’re still finalising the budget but we will address the tax review in the budget.”
Weatherill also called on the Federal Government to use next week’s federal budget to “step up and take the lead” in transforming the South Australian economy.
The premier wants the Abbott government to invest in infrastructure projects across SA and make decisions on issues critical to the state’s development.
That would involve providing more funds to help the automotive industry, confirming the next fleet of submarines will be built in Adelaide and also ending uncertainty over the renewable energy target that is holding up $4.2 billion in wind farm development.
“These are all decisions that could make a difference today,” Weatherill said.
He has also called for infrastructure investment in SA, including funding for road projects in the far north and more financing to help complete the north-south road corridor through Adelaide.
The two governments have already struck deals on funding two sections of the corridor but not for the northern connector.
SA also wants cash to develop the Strzelecki Track in the far north to open up the Cooper Basin.
“We see big infrastructure spends across the eastern seaboard,” Weatherill said.
“We need to see an infrastructure commitment here in South Australia.”
The Premier is also hoping the Federal Government will use the budget to reverse last year’s decision to cut funding for pensioner concessions on utility bills, council rates, public transport fares and car registrations.
The State Government has picked up the tab so far but has not committed to continue doing so after July 1.
– with AAP
