Barry Haase (Kalgoorlie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to address once again in this place the issue of taxation zone rebates for remote and moderately remote Australia. It is over 10 years since anything was done to revisit this situation, to gauge modern trends, modern cost comparisons and modern sets of disability in comparison to city dwellers.

In suburban and metropolitan areas, public transport is something that is supported by governments as a matter of course; it is automatic. In rural and remote areas of Australia, there is no such thing as public transport. In fact, charter aircraft have become the nearest thing to public transport in many areas in my electorate. I have repeatedly called on my government to positively address the current inequities of the taxation zone rebate. In zone B, back in 1945, an amount of about ₤20 was available for a 12-month period. That equates today, with inflation, to about $1,060. In fact, we are paying $57. It is unacceptable, and something ought to be done about it. I am constantly told that it is unconstitutional. Section 51 of the Constitution, relating to the taxation power, states:

The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the Commonwealth with respect to:

…            …            …

(ii)

Taxation; but so as not to discriminate between States or parts of States;

Section 99 states:

The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation of trade, commerce, or revenue, give preference to one State or any part thereof over another State or any part thereof.

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