Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed a decision by the Palaszczuk Government to impose a new greedy tax on caravans and campervans.
Mr Bennett said registration duty hikes, which will take effect on July 1, would have a devastating impact on local motorhome businesses such as Searle’s RV Centre, as well as the region’s drive tourism industry and grey nomads.
“The Labor Government’s absurd vehicle tax will add thousands of dollars to the cost of a caravan or motorhome, making them far less affordable to most people, particularly retirees who make up the majority of the motorhome market,” he said.
“Not only will businesses like Searle’s RV Centre suffer, but it’s going to have an impact on drive tourism across the state, particularly in regional areas like Bundaberg which relies on grey nomads for a much-needed economic boost.”
Mr Bennett said motorhomes had been unfairly caught up in the proposed increase which was created to target the luxury car market.
“This is clearly at odds with federal legislation which exempts motorhomes from luxury car tax,” he said.
Mr Bennett said this tax had been rammed through without proper consultation or consideration of those it would hurt.
“Labor slipped this sneaky tax through hoping no one would notice,” he said.
“The caravan, motorhome and camper trailer industry has not been consulted on this massive hike – the government has gone ahead and made a decision to slap an additional 2% duty on these vehicles.”
Ben Searle, owner of Searle’s RV Centre, backed Mr Bennett’s comments.
“Bundaberg has invested heavily to encourage motorhomes owners to visit our town,” Mr Searle said.
“Last year we hosted the annual CMCA Rally where we had over 1000 RV’s come to Bundaberg and we are hosting the Avida RV Club in July, as well as investing in an RV stop over facility that has only recently opened.”
Mr Searle said he felt it was necessary to take a stand against the tax on behalf of his customers.
“This won’t just effect new motorhomes but also second-hand units,” he said.
“The tax was to target the luxury car buyer but by way of definition the motorhome market is now tangled up in this mess.
“Motorhomes to my customers are not a luxury item they are their homes and should not be penalised as such.”
ENDS.
Monday, 25 June 2018