Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, it has been a long discussion, and most of the issues were discussed prior to the last four or 4½ hours either in the committee hearings on the bills or the broader debate. Senator Macdonald has asked about two issues, and I understand both were discussed in the committee hearings. At that point in time I understand the witnesses were unable to give a response to him.

On the total number of taxpayers who will pay the levy, we will take that on notice. I can expect to have an answer for Senator Macdonald in the next few days on that issue. On the total number of people who will be exempt from the levy because they are in disaster declared zones, we do not know what the total number is. The ATO will obviously, in their delivery of the tax, carry out that calculation as the tax is implemented and collected. Then we will be in a position to give Senator Macdonald that figure. I will take it on notice and when that figure becomes available through the ATO we will provide it, and we should be able to provide the other figure to you in the next couple of days.

This was all explained to the committee hearings on the legislation, so why we need to go through these issues again today, other than for Senator Macdonald to conduct a filibuster, which has been all too obvious in the last four to five hours, is beyond me.