❓ Opposition questions the Premier's claim of tax avoidance in the housing industry and challenges the transparency of government consultations. The Premier defends the need for confidential consultations and highlights broader tax compliance issues.
AnsweredQoN 468Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
HOUSING INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS, TAX AVOIDANCE 468. Mr BARNETT to the Premier: I refer to the Premier’s allegation reported in The West Australian today that contractors employed in the housing industry were avoiding tax. (1) Will the Premier apologise to the many hard-working small business people in the housing industry for this slur on their character? (2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
HOUSING INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS, TAX AVOIDANCE
I refer to the Premier’s allegation reported in The West Australian today that contractors employed in the housing industry were avoiding tax. (1) Will the Premier apologise to the many hard-working small business people in the housing industry for this slur on their character? (2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(1) Will the Premier apologise to the many hard-working small business people in the housing industry for this slur on their character? (2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
HOUSING INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS, TAX AVOIDANCE
I refer to the Premier’s allegation reported in The West Australian today that contractors employed in the housing industry were avoiding tax. (1) Will the Premier apologise to the many hard-working small business people in the housing industry for this slur on their character? (2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(1) Will the Premier apologise to the many hard-working small business people in the housing industry for this slur on their character? (2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(2) Will the Premier confirm that his so-called consultation with the housing industry is a sham? These discussions will be held in camera and the Government has told the representative bodies involved that they must not speak publicly on the issue. Information provided to those bodies stated that - This participation is to be on a confidential basis and information relating to the proposed scheme is not to be released to the general public under any circumstances. That is sham consultation! Mr Ripper interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: Order, Treasurer! Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP replied: (1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
(1)-(2) As the Productivity Commission and major inquiries into taxation matters in Australia have found, there is an incentive for some employers - I correct my comment on that - to use anomalies in the current system to attempt to avoid taxation. In this case, I refer to payroll tax. I stand by that comment. It is well established and demonstrated. That does not mean that all employers are doing it, but the incentive is there and has been demonstrated by the major inquiries that have occurred. That answers the first question. Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: So much for small business. Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: So much for small business! We could get into a debate on that subject. How many bankruptcies have there been in Australia in the past 12 months as a result of the goods and services tax? Does the Leader of the Opposition know what those bankruptcies have meant? They have meant the complete destruction of those businesses. Many business people have had to sell their family homes as a result of bankruptcy. The Leader of the Opposition can talk about small business! Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Birney interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: Order, member for Kalgoorlie! Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: It is standard practice for the Office of State Revenue to use in-camera consultation in cases in which consultation is considered desirable and in which specific legislative and policy parameters have not yet been finalised. That is standard practice. We are talking about a taxation matter. Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You asked them to swear to confidentiality and you boast that it is consultation. It is a farce! Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: This is such a farce that the matter will have to come into this Parliament and be fully debated in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Opposition says that we are trying to cover it up. That is a ridiculous argument from the Leader of the Opposition! Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You are trying to gag public debate. Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Dr GALLOP: Old grumpy chops gets grumpier by the day! He should relax and start to enjoy his job. He has an excellent and interesting job and he should be starting to fully get into the spirit of it. Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr Barnett: You came in here yesterday and told lies. Withdrawal of Remark The SPEAKER: I direct the Leader of the Opposition to withdraw that comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr BARNETT: I withdraw that the lie was repeated. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw his comment without making further comment. Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
Mr BARNETT: I withdraw. Debate Resumed Dr GALLOP: That answers the two points. I will go back to a central issue. As Peter Costello has found with income tax, as the Ralph report indicated, and as this and the other States have found, there are anomalies in the application of some major taxes that provide revenue to our health, education and police services. This is not about getting anyone, but about a level playing field that is fair for everyone and responsible in terms of the revenue that comes through to the State. That is what this is all about. The leader and members of the Opposition have not had an independent thought in years. The Opposition is now attaching itself to a few interest groups and running their issues in this Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition will need to do a lot more than that if he is to succeed in his position. The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
The SPEAKER: There has been a propensity over the past few weeks for members to refer to other members in this place in a manner other than by their electorates or positions. The continuation of that will add nothing to the debate. I ask members to think of other ways to get their points across.
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