Published Monday, 30 June, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
New tax year brings welcome changes for Queenslanders
CORRECTED VERSION
July 1 in Queensland heralds in a new era of road safety, water management, and a range of rebates and tax changes to assist pensioners and first home buyers.
Premier Anna Bligh said with it becoming harder for people to enter the property market, the government has abolished mortgage duty and made changes to the home concession structure to keep more money in the pockets of first time buyers.
“Changes to the first home transfer duty will also mean savings of up to $1,650 on a $350,000 dollar home,” the Premier said.
“We also know pensioners are facing tough times and have increased a number of utilities rebates to ease their financial strain.
“Pensioner rebates for electricity will increase to $165 a year while the rebate for reticulated natural gas will rise to $57.65 a year, ” Ms Bligh said.
The SEQ Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme will commence on 1 July with a rebate of $40, to rise to $70 and then $100 in subsequent years.
The Bligh Government’s commitment to reducing the road toll is re-enforced by a number of changes to driving laws.
“New motorcycle riders will need to have their licence for 12 months before being eligible for an unrestricted licence and provisional car drivers will need to take further tests before having their licences upgraded,” Ms Bligh said.
“A new public road education campaign will also begin this week with the key message of ‘Be aware. Take care. Survive.’”
“July 1 also heralds significant changes to the structure of the South East Queensland Water Grid, further securing the future of water supply to the fastest growing region in the state.”
“The changes will make the management of our vital water supply more efficient,” Ms Bligh said.
Other changes effective from July 1 include:-
• Family Responsibilities Commission: This vital part of the world-first trial to link parental responsibility with Government assistance, begins operating today. The trial is a partnership between four communities on Cape York, the Queensland Government, the Australian Government and the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. As part of this reform a Family Responsibilities Commission has been established.
• New Translink Transit Authority: The creation of the TransLink Transit Authority creates just one point of contact for public transport users for all inquiries.
• Improved Fire Safety: New building fire safety regulations requiring businesses to implement changes, including an upgrade of evacuation measures and the compulsory introduction of workplace Fire Safety Advisers.
• Increase in Coal Royalties: Mining companies will face an increase of about 3% in royalties for coal sold for more than $100 tonne.
• Pay-roll Tax Deductions: This will benefit all businesses with taxable wages between $1 million and $5 million. Over 40 % of employers currently paying payroll tax will benefit from this initiative.
• New Speed Limits on Gold Coast Waterways: New and extended six knot speed limits on some Gold Coast waterways to enhance public safety and residential amenity. Maritime Safety Queensland officers will be out in force educating and informing boaties of the changes.
• New Alcohol Restrictions in Indigenous Communities: The next six months will see the phase out of canteens and liquor licences held by Indigenous councils, in a bid to reduce alcohol misuse in remote communities.
• Record Roads Funding: $16.2 billion Roads Implementation Program outlines planned roadworks throughout the state over the next five-years. Includes $4.2 billion in federal funding..
• Environmental Offsets Policy: It ensures economic and social development can occur without an overall degradation of the environment. The Policy will help achieve ecologically sustainable development to improve our quality of life now and preserve the unique environmental values of Queensland for the future.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
July 1 in Queensland heralds in a new era of road safety, water management, and a range of rebates and tax changes to assist pensioners and first home buyers.
Premier Anna Bligh said with it becoming harder for people to enter the property market, the government has abolished mortgage duty and made changes to the home concession structure to keep more money in the pockets of first time buyers.
“Changes to the first home transfer duty will also mean savings of up to $1,650 on a $350,000 dollar home,” the Premier said.
“We also know pensioners are facing tough times and have increased a number of utilities rebates to ease their financial strain.
“Pensioner rebates for electricity will increase to $165 a year while the rebate for reticulated natural gas will rise to $57.65 a year, ” Ms Bligh said.
The SEQ Pensioner Water Subsidy Scheme will commence on 1 July with a rebate of $40, to rise to $70 and then $100 in subsequent years.
The Bligh Government’s commitment to reducing the road toll is re-enforced by a number of changes to driving laws.
“New motorcycle riders will need to have their licence for 12 months before being eligible for an unrestricted licence and provisional car drivers will need to take further tests before having their licences upgraded,” Ms Bligh said.
“A new public road education campaign will also begin this week with the key message of ‘Be aware. Take care. Survive.’”
“July 1 also heralds significant changes to the structure of the South East Queensland Water Grid, further securing the future of water supply to the fastest growing region in the state.”
“The changes will make the management of our vital water supply more efficient,” Ms Bligh said.
Other changes effective from July 1 include:-
• Family Responsibilities Commission: This vital part of the world-first trial to link parental responsibility with Government assistance, begins operating today. The trial is a partnership between four communities on Cape York, the Queensland Government, the Australian Government and the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership. As part of this reform a Family Responsibilities Commission has been established.
• New Translink Transit Authority: The creation of the TransLink Transit Authority creates just one point of contact for public transport users for all inquiries.
• Improved Fire Safety: New building fire safety regulations requiring businesses to implement changes, including an upgrade of evacuation measures and the compulsory introduction of workplace Fire Safety Advisers.
• Increase in Coal Royalties: Mining companies will face an increase of about 3% in royalties for coal sold for more than $100 tonne.
• Pay-roll Tax Deductions: This will benefit all businesses with taxable wages between $1 million and $5 million. Over 40 % of employers currently paying payroll tax will benefit from this initiative.
• New Speed Limits on Gold Coast Waterways: New and extended six knot speed limits on some Gold Coast waterways to enhance public safety and residential amenity. Maritime Safety Queensland officers will be out in force educating and informing boaties of the changes.
• New Alcohol Restrictions in Indigenous Communities: The next six months will see the phase out of canteens and liquor licences held by Indigenous councils, in a bid to reduce alcohol misuse in remote communities.
• Record Roads Funding: $16.2 billion Roads Implementation Program outlines planned roadworks throughout the state over the next five-years. Includes $4.2 billion in federal funding..
• Environmental Offsets Policy: It ensures economic and social development can occur without an overall degradation of the environment. The Policy will help achieve ecologically sustainable development to improve our quality of life now and preserve the unique environmental values of Queensland for the future.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500