Thursday, 28 November 2024

 Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (17:31): (965) My adjournment matter tonight is for the Treasurer, and the action I am seeking is for him to respond via me to a constituent of mine, Mr Benjamin White in Beaconsfield, who has a property down there and who has been waiting to get a building permit for his property. Whilst there have been many delays on the building permit due to a lot of the regulation he has had to go through, he has been slugged with a massive land tax bill from this government. Mr White has said he understands from the State Revenue Office that he needs to provide evidence of planning or a building permit in order for the land tax bill to be removed. Mr White has told me he does not understand why he has to pay an amount for the land tax when he is waiting for a building permit to be issued to him from local council. He has told me he has complied with all the requests that have come through from the council and the delay from the council in issuing the permit is not in his control. Mr White has told me he feels he has been caught up in the red tape of local government and the cost to him is thousands of dollars as a result.

I wrote to the Treasurer earlier this year but so far have not received a response. Mr White has asked why there has been a delay in this, if he can ensure that he gets the response out to him as soon as possible and also if he could assist with the process for the council to get the permit, otherwise that land tax bill will continue to be where it is. It is impacting on his health and the wellbeing of the family by placing undue financial stress on them amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Treasurer, can you please review the issue of this land tax bill given to Mr White, given his circumstances as noted with the delay in the council issuing the building permit, and ensure a discussion is had with him without delay?