NSW BUDGET IS THE HIGHEST TAXING BUDGET IN THE HISTORY OF NSW

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has slammed the NSW Minns Labor Government for delivering the highest taxing budget in the history of NSW with one of the worst tax increases coming at the expense of the most vulnerable.

Mr Ward has used Parliament to move to establish an inquiry into the impact of Labor’s increase in coal royalties on household energy bills with royalties set to increase by over 30%.

“The rate increases announced in the NSW Budget will mean coal producers will pay at least 30% more in royalties than under previous royalty arrangements.

“Whilst the State is transitioning to lower emissions, coal delivers over 70% of electricity used in homes and businesses.

“This tax grab will simply be passed onto consumers. Whilst it might bolster the State’s bottom line, it will hit hard on the people that can least afford it.

“This week, I’ve moved to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact the Minn’s Labor Government tax grab will have.

“I also asked the Premier a Question on Notice on whether he’d been briefed on the impacts on households of this tax increase. He couldn’t answer the question and took it on notice.

“Just like the last Labor Government, it seems this Labor Government wants to tax and spend; but this comes at the expense of every energy user across the State,” Mr Ward concluded.