Property sector wants a ‘Liberal’ Labor government
The property sector wants Jay Weatherill’s ALP State Government to adopt key Liberal Party policies in its 2014 State Budget.
In its Budget submission to government, the Property Council of Australia’s SA division has called for an Audit Commission to review the public sector, tax reform and the establishment of an independent infrastructure advisory body.
All three policies were key planks of the Liberal Party’s election campaign platform.
The State Budget is due to be handed down on Thursday, June 19.
“Getting the Budget back in the black will require courageous leadership,” Property Council Acting Executive Director Lino Iacomella said in a statement today.
“The Budget’s difficult fiscal position is clear and with the Government’s election commitments yet to be factored in to the forward estimates, there is an urgent need to drive savings and initiate reform.
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“Before committing to more spending, it is vital that the Government initiates a line-by-line review of all existing state programs and projects.
“We need an urgent tax review, to make the system fairer and more effective. This includes, broadening the land tax base and reducing the top rate of land tax, which is the highest in the country.”
Iacomella said the property sector is ready and willing to work with government to boost South Australia’s performance.
“We need other growth orientated reforms like repealing outdated regulations, freeing up trading hours and establishing an independent infrastructure agency to identify and prioritise key projects.
“South Australia also needs to play a leadership role in the emerging national tax reform agenda.
“It must engage with other states and the Federal Government to maximise opportunities to replace ugly state taxes like stamp duties with more sustainable and equitable revenue measures.”
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The submission calls on the government to:
- Take stock of current projects and spending by initiating a line-by-line review of all State Government programs and projects.
- Promote financial integrity and efficiency by offsetting election commitment expenditure by adequate savings measures.
- Appoint an independent Audit Commission to examine the role, structure and culture of the public service.
- Conduct an independent ‘root and branch’ review to reshape the State’s taxes and design a sustainable system.
- Fully liberalise trading hours and allow business to respond to demand.
- Adopt the Property Council’s “nine point plan” to increase the number of skilled migrants settling in South Australia.
- Implement policies that help retain and attract young professionals.
- Establish Infrastructure SA to identify and prioritise key infrastructure projects.
The Property Council of Australia represents major investors, property owners and developers.
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