15% tax rate suggested for the bush

[Dave]

National Party politicians from Queensland have proposed a 15 per cent tax rate for rural areas, to encourage investment and help reduce the effects of the drought.

There are already tax concessions for workers in remote areas, but this proposal is more wide-ranging and would affect a greater number of people.

It's an interesting idea that I'm sure will generate a lot of debate. It will be difficult to determine what areas are 'rural' and who is eligible for the reduced rate of tax e.g. small business employees in country towns.

Full story (The Australian) (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15387496%255E601,00.html)

[mag]

National Party politicians from Queensland have proposed a 15 per cent tax rate for rural areas, to encourage investment and help reduce the effects of the drought.

There are already tax concessions for workers in remote areas, but this proposal is more wide-ranging and would affect a greater number of people.

It's an interesting idea that I'm sure will generate a lot of debate. It will be difficult to determine what areas are 'rural' and who is eligible for the reduced rate of tax e.g. small business employees in country towns.

Full story (The Australian) (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15387496%255E601,00.html)

the mining industry will then gain more people as they are paying a lot better rates of pay than rural producers. Over here in the west rate of pay for contractors in harvesting and planting have risen to high levels as they have to compete against the mines who are also short of staff - also mines offer better working conditions as well...