Albany Port Authority 'jumped the gun' regarding tax regime claims

22/9/94

Premier Richard Court says the Albany Port Authority has 'jumped the gun' in claiming that a new tax regime is going to be imposed on Western Australia's regional ports.

Mr Court said a policy of  intent was signed by the Commonwealth and the States at the last COAG meeting relating to the taxation of Government trading enterprises throughout Australia.

"The policy is not aimed at revenue raising but is intended to place these enterprises on a more even footing with their competitors in the private sector," the Premier said.

"A standing committee of representatives from the State and Commonwealth Treasuries has now been formed to define, for the purpose of policy, a 'Government Trading Enterprise' (GTE).  That process is continuing and no decision has even been made on whether the regional ports will be covered by this definition.

"As for claims that a new tax regime will be introduced by July 1 next year, that is also to be determined, given that the standing committee is yet even to resolve this issue of definition - let alone the matter going to Cabinet."

Mr Court said the State Government was well aware of the important role played by regional ports in an exporting State such as Western Australia and would take this into account in any decision relating to their operations.