Greens – Durack – Julie Matheson – Greens push increase in Zone Tax A rebate for regional communities

greens.org.au
Greens push increase in Zone Tax A rebate for regional communities
Media contacts: Giovanni Torre – 9221 8333 / 0400 263 475
MEDIA RELEASE – ELECTION 2010
The Greens will campaign for a raised Zone Tax A rebate to bring in a $7-10,000 boost for people living in remote areas, Julie Matheson, Greens candidate for Durack, said today. “There is a significant part of Durack and other parts of Australia where the zone tax rebate needs an upgrade,” Ms Matheson said. “It was introduced because of the extremely high cost of living in the areas to which it was allocated. These costs have increased over time and especially in the recent boom years.” “Access to services is expensive and in many cases not available. If you want to access a lawyer or a doctor in some of these remote places, you have to travel for a minimum of six or seven or hours.”
“The cost of housing in the Pilbara and the Kimberly is significantly greater than in the rest of the State, with house prices in Port Hedland and Karratha on average 50% higher than in Perth. Port Hedland and Karratha rents are also 40-65% higher.”
“Weekly 4 bedroom house rentals in Karratha are in the main around the $1500 a week mark.”
“The most expensive cost of living region in Western Australia is the Kimberley, with a cost of living at least 14.3% above that of Perth. The Pilbara is the next most expensive region.”
“The Greens in Parliament will press hard for a real increase in the Zone Tax Rebate,” said Ms Matheson, who has 20 years of experience in financial planning. “Today the average weekly wage is about $969.40 a week but the zone rebates for the year in remote areas is only $338 per year, well under half the average weekly wage.” “Because it changed from a reduction in tax to the current rebate of $338 per annum, the rebate needs to be raised to between at least $2,704 and $4,650 per annum, which would provide a net economic gain of between $7-10,000.”
“This is needed to stabilise and enhance communities, encourage teachers, medical professionals and extended family networks and turn the region into a viable place to live and retire in, the restructuring of the zone tax rebate is a crucial step in what should be a multi-faceted reinvigoration of the region.” “In 1945 the zone allowance was $80 a year, a lump sum amounting to around 10 times the average weekly wage. In 1975 the zone allowance, along with most other concessional allowances was converted to a rebate.” “The Rudd-Gillard government, and the previous Howard government has been deafeningly silent on this matter for years.” “The Liberal and Labor candidates for Durack have perpetuated this silence.” “We would argue that in addition to transport infrastructure, health and education services, social infrastructure and economic assistance are needed for those in the north, particularly in areas hardest hit by increases in fuel prices and the cost of living.” “This whole approach integrates with our National position that the $34-$31.5 billion tax breaks announced by the Howard and Rudd governments should be invested in social support mechanisms for the community.”
Julie Matheson (Durack) – 14.8.2010
AUSTRALIAN GREENS