❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the fairness of land tax on properties zoned for conservation, particularly 'Bush Forever' land, and whether landowners are being advised to run stock to gain tax exemptions, potentially conflicting with sustainability goals.
AnsweredQoN 76Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the plan to make privately-owned land subject to conservation covenants from land tax - (1) Does the Government also propose to extend such an exemption to properties zoned for conservation purposes under a town planning scheme, such as the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale’s conservation zone? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(1) Does the Government also propose to extend such an exemption to properties zoned for conservation purposes under a town planning scheme, such as the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale’s conservation zone? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(1) Does the Government also propose to extend such an exemption to properties zoned for conservation purposes under a town planning scheme, such as the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale’s conservation zone? (2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(2) If no to (1), why not? (3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(3) Does the minister think it is appropriate or fair that a landholder who sought such a legally binding zoning for his Bush Forever property, after encouragement from state agencies, is now charged up to $2 800 per annum in land tax? (4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(4) What action does the minister suggest Bush Forever landowners should take to overcome this heavy tax burden? (5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(5) Can the minister confirm that the Office of State Revenue is advising Bush Forever landholders to run stock through their property in order to gain eligibility for the primary production land tax exemption? (6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(6) If yes to (5), can the minister explain how this advice is in keeping with the Western Australian Government’s draft sustainability strategy? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(1)-(4) The matter of conservation covenants and land taxation treatment is currently subject to deliberation during the forthcoming budget process. (5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(5) No, have no information on this assertion. Land used for primary production is potentially exempt from land tax, depending on the specific circumstances. Other categories of exemption may also apply. It would be appropriate that landholders making inquiries are advised of all categories of possible land tax exemptions. This should not, however, be taken as promotion of such activities. (6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
(6) Not applicable. The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
The PRESIDENT: I note that four members sought the call today and did not receive the call, and they will be given priority tomorrow. There probably was not room for more than one banana question today. However, we will proceed with that tomorrow.
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