No change to Remote Area Tax Concessions

In some recent good news, the Government has confirmed that it will not act on any of the Productivity Commission’s recommendations in relation to Remote Area Tax Concessions and Payments.

The Government has stated that it recognises that the most important thing to do at this time is to provide certainty and confidence to those living in regional areas, given the challenges faced as a result of the droughts, bushfires and now the Coronavirus. It has confirmed that it remains fully committed to supporting the growth of our regions and their continued success into the future.

The Productivity Commission Study Report: Remote Area and Tax Concessions

The Productivity Commission released its final study Report on 26 February 2020 and the findings are consistent with those in their draft report released in September 2019.

In summary, these are:

The Government acknowledged the volume of submissions which the Productivity Commission received in response to its draft report, and the fact that the majority of these were not supportive of the proposed changes.  Smartgroup submitted a detailed submission expressing our concerns with the proposed changes through our industry Association, NALSPA.

Details of the Government’s decision are confirmed in the press release issued by the Federal Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer – The Hon Michael Sukkar MP.