Following the devastating floods a Government levy would just add another unnecessary financial burden on those residents, businesses and farmers affected by flood, Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said today.
“The Government’s only idea to raise the expected $10bn‐$20bn bill left by the floods is to introduce a levy that will cut peoples incomes.
“This approach will not help those who have been affected by the floods, in some cases twice in the last four months. It will not only directly impact on the cash poor farming communities, but add to cost of living pressures for residents and reduce their ability to buy goods from flood affected businesses.
“Responsible Governments such as the Howard Government put money aside for a rainy day. If the Gillard Government were a responsible government, they would not be in the position where they now need to raise $10‐$20bn immediately.
“The Government has plenty of programs it could scrap or redirect funding from to fund the flood reconstruction ‐ Clash for Clunkers, the National Broadband Network and deferring water buybacks in the Murray‐Darling Basin.
“The feedback I am getting from local people and businesses is that they do not want to be hit with yet another tax in the form of a levy after all that they have been through in recent months.
“One Halls Gap small business owner told me today: We have only been affected by loss of trade and downgraded income ‐ many families and businesses have lost loved ones and have no income at all and yet the Federal Government’s response is to kick people while they are down by proposing another TAX. It never fails to amaze me that a lazy government’s easy solution is just to add another Tax! People are hurting badly; adding to their burden is not the right or just solution.
“Flood victims will not benefit from extra taxes imposed on them. The Government should be helping those affected not taxing them,” Mr Tehan said.
Media Contact: Lisa Downs 03 5561 6405 or 0400 192 205
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