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Gunner s land tax rejected

  • November 20, 2018

Gunner’s land tax rejected

A landmark poll of 300 residents of the Darwin and Palmerston area has revealed a strong rejection of the government’s proposed vacant land tax. 

The survey was undertaken by an independent pollster on behalf of the Property Council and had a margin of error of ±6 per cent.

Respondents overwhelmingly rejected the premise of the Government’s new vacant land tax – with 78 per cent of respondents believing that new taxes send a bad signal to investors about Darwin.

Those surveyed also did not think a vacant land tax would reduce vacancy – instead they blamed a weakening economy and shifting government departments for high CBD vacancy rates.

Key findings from the survey include:

  • 80% of Territorians think the NT Government should be working with the business community to fix CBD issues – we need policies that are more carrot and less stick.
  • 60% of Territorians believe that the NT Government has contributed to the high vacancy rates by taking Government departments out of the CBD.
  • Majority do not believe that new tenants can be found easily.
  • 80% of Territorians think that it’s very important to attract new investment to Darwin – with 79% thinking that it’s a good idea to consider incentives (not penalties) to attract new investors.
  • 80% of Territorians think it’s extremely important for the NT Government and City of Darwin to work cooperatively with the Darwin Business Community to develop and implement a MasterPlan for the city -we need incentives not punishments. 

Given the exciting commitment last week from the Prime Minister Scott Morrison for a Darwin CBD City Deal, now is the time to reduce the cost burdens for property owners and investors in Darwin to take advantage of a long term economic strategy for the region.

To read more about the Property Council’s poll see the article in today’s NT News (paywall).

The Chief Minister will be appearing at a sold out Property Council lunch this Thursday. 

The Property Council will continue to advocate against regressive and damaging taxes like the vacant property and land tax.