Coulton explains his opposition to flood levy
23-February-2011
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has spoken in Parliament, stating his opposition against the Gillard Government’s proposed Flood Levy.
The Tax Laws Amendment (Temporary Flood Reconstruction Levy) Bill 2011 was introduced into Parliament this week and Mr Coulton took aim at the Government’s inability to manage the Australian economy and previous government programs.
“The Coalition opposes this legislation not because we do not want to help the people of flood affected areas or because we are not compassionate people. Our opposition to this bill is the result of an assessment of the management capabilities of the Gillard government,” Mr Coulton stated.
“How is it going to be managed? How is it going to be directed to the communities and the people that need it the most? Looking at history—looking at the last four years of the Rudd and Gillard governments—the concern for me is whether this money is going to be used correctly.”
The Prime Minister’s decision to impose another tax on the Australian people was rushed and did not consider alternative programs where savings could be made.
“I want to know why the Prime Minister, when the rain was still falling, announced a need for a levy without first finding out some costings, without first prioritising where that expenditure would go, without first outlining a method of payment that was going to affect the victims of floods without getting eaten up by bureaucracy.”
Mr Coulton also used this opportunity to speak of the plight facing flood affected communities in the Parkes Electorate that are unable to access the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
The AGDRP provides one off payments of $1000 for adults and $400 for children in areas that have been adversely affected by a major or widespread disaster, however the Attorney-General has failed to declare these areas eligible.
“As I stand here tonight my electorate is still in flood. The communities of Lightning Ridge, Angledool, Goodooga and Brewarrina are surrounded by flood water, as they have been for the last six weeks. I have families that have had to relocate and pay for accommodation in Lightning Ridge. They were evacuated by helicopter to Lightning Ridge so their children can attend school, but can they obtain the Centrelink payment?”
The Government’s failure to provide assistance to people in flood affected areas of north western NSW is an indication of their complete disregard for regional Australia.
Mr Coulton urged the Government to “Stop. Consider the waste and mismanagement that you have inflicted on the Australian people and the damage you have done to the Australian economy over the last four years and put in a package that will benefit the people in the flood affected areas, but will not slug the Australian taxpayer.’