THE NSW Nationals leader has dodged questions about his support for zonal payroll tax, 18 months after the inquiry he requested recommended the state government introduced it.
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The report found that zonal payroll taxation was "justified to support and encourage regional economic growth", however none of its eight recommendations have been implemented.
The parliamentary committee looked in to the matter at the request of Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and his party also adopted payroll tax exceptions for regional businesses as part of its policy platform at this year's annual state conference.
However, Mr Barilaro declined to answer if he supported the recommendations made in the inquiry or if implementing zonal taxation was a goal of the NSW Nationals in this term of government.
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Instead, his spokesperson pointed to other government initiatives, such as increasing the payroll tax threshold for all businesses to $1 million, the Regional Investment Attraction Fund and introducing Special Activation Precincts.
"Each of these initiatives helps to significantly lower the costs incurred by relocating or setting up a business facility in a regional city or town, or, makes it easier for small businesses in rural settings to get established," the spokesperson said.
The report's recommendations included cutting payroll tax and commercial stamp duty in regional areas to stimulate their economic growth.
Tamworth Shooters, Fishers and Farmers spokesman Jeff Bacon said by sitting on the report, Mr Barilaro and the Nationals were failing to implement their own policy.
"We've seen zero action from the NSW government even after their own report told them how important it is to lower taxes in the bush," Mr Bacon said.
"The report outlined how ridiculous these taxes are to regional towns. The government would actually gain revenue if they cut these taxes, because businesses would stop closing down and start hiring more people.
"It's no exaggeration to say this is a matter of life and death for towns and communities all over regional NSW.
"The government keeps saying they can't make it rain. Well, here's something they can do. Stop killing regional businesses with excessive taxes. Implement your own recommendations now."