Land tax grab unfair

HOW fair and democratic are various governments in their proposed initiatives to introduce land taxes to property owners in the Urban Growth Boundaries?
This serious and controversial issue is certain to test the Brumby State Government at the state election next year.
A recent article $80,000 Impost is Fair (Gazette, 18 March) quoted Growth Areas Authority CEO Peter Seamer as saying a proposed infrastructure contribution scheme, which charges affected landowners $80,000 per hectare when they sell, is fair.
The tax is a rip-off by the Brumby Government of property owners, no different to the actions of John Brumby when he was treasurer.
The views of Peter Seamer are no different, but one wonders how much he earns and where the funds for his salary come from. And what other perks, allowances and social and financial benefits does he receive in his position?
Property owners are just the milking cows to support the financial positions of municipal council chief executives.
In reference to the UGB, this rip-off of a tax is unnecessary and appears only to benefit Peter Seamer and the State Government coffers. Apparently, this government has overspent billions of dollars on advertising, high salaries and bonuses, perks and allowances to politicians and department managers, on renaming government departments and on overseas travel and accommodation costs.
Perhaps the government and the public service should consider cutting costs at the top level and remove unnecessary projects, therefore reducing the burden on the taxpayers and property owners under this contribution scheme. It should consider dumping both the Grand Prix, which is costing millions of dollars a year, and not paying Tiger Woods from $1 million to $3 million to come to Victoria. What a waste of taxpayers’ funds.
Let the private sector pay for these and other excessive costs and allow taxpayers’ money to go directly towards the schools, hospitals and the public transport system as well as vital community projects.
As a past Casey councillor and candidate for the Narre Warren North for next year’s state election, I oppose this contribution scheme. I offer my support to the property owners and wish to become involved in the established residents groups to rally against the scheme.
Paul Richardson,
Endeavour Hills.