Local ACT government has always had a miniscule revenue base to finance the running of the Territory. We don’t have the industry,mining or agriculture bases of the states, and are unable to levy payroll tax on the Federal Government.
As a result, property is taxed to the hilt, with a range of innovative taxes and levy’s dreamt up by the council to claw as much as possible from the citizens of the Territory.
Are we adequately recompensed by the Feds for the lack of payroll tax? Is our tiny taxable base recognised and additional funds on a per head basis delivered by the Federal tax carve-up?
The overwhelming reliance on property and related taxation by the Council has resulted in sky high property prices, rents, and a sordid relationship with developers resulting in the ticky-tacky boxes of Gungahlin.
Are there income streams the Council could persue to widen the take, and reduce the reliance on property?