Labor-Greens Government should stop rates increases

The ACT Government should halt its destructive rates increases and table in the Assembly the Treasury analysis of the financial and social impacts of its rates reform package, Leader of the Opposition Alistair Coe said today.

“Hundreds of Canberra residents have contacted the Opposition expressing concern over the ACT Government’s drastic and continuing rates increases,” Mr Coe said.

“The sentiment is shared and the message is clear: young people, families and the elderly are suffering and are struggling to make ends meet because of the Barr Government’s insatiable appetite to increase rates.

“The Labor-Greens Government residential general rates increase of 12 per cent imposes serious financial pressure on home owners.

“This comes on top of an 18 per cent increase in land tax revenue, placing a further burden on owners and tenants.

“Meanwhile, the Government has compounded the problem by reducing rates, energy and water concessions from those who need it most.

“I fear the Government has not counted the human cost of its rates reform package.

“Despite the negative impact, the Government has budgeted further increases. Residential general rates will increase by 11 per cent in 2018-19, nine per cent in 2019-20, and a further nine per cent in 2020-21.

“Every day Canberrans have had their finances hijacked by the Chief Minister’s rates reform package. It is imperative that the Government halt its rates reform and present to the Assembly an analysis on its financial and social impacts no later than September 21,” Mr Coe concluded.