Land tax increases put jobs at risk

Queenslanders’ jobs and ‘mum and dad’ investors’ financial security will be put at risk by the Bligh Labor Government’s proposed changes to land valuation laws, the LNP said today.

LNP Leader John-Paul Langbroek said Shadow Cabinet had resolved to oppose the new laws, which were expected to be rushed through State Parliament this week.

“These laws are an unprecedented attack on Queenslanders’ jobs and investments,” he said.

“Industry groups estimate that this bill if passed will see increases in land tax of 20 – 40 per cent across the board. For business, this means they will have little choice but to sack Queenslanders.”

LNP Shadow Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Australian Bureau of Statistics data for January shows Queensland had the equal-highest unemployment rate in Australia with 137,500 people looking for work.

“Once again Anna Bligh’s new tax slug on businesses – on top of the fuel tax and electricity and car registration hikes – will put more Queenslanders on the unemployment line,” he said.

LNP Shadow Natural Resources Minister Jeff Seeney said the LNP would be opposing the bill and standing up for ordinary Queenslanders because of the unacceptable risk to jobs and investments.

“While also slashing jobs, Labor’s tax increases will see massive cuts to the value of investments that working Queenslanders have put aside to give them financial security for their future,” he said.

“Bligh and Labor are removing the security hard working Queenslanders have put aside for their retirement.”

Mr Langbroek said the LNP was absolutely committed to supporting working Queenslanders and would not let Bligh and Labor’s failed budget put their livelihood and investments at risk.

Media Notes: January unemployment data for Queensland is available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/6202.0Jan%202010?OpenDocument