Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Comments attributable to Cattle Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Parker:
“Cattle Australia (CA) is calling for urgent amendments to the proposed Better Targeted Super Bill or risk subjecting primary producers to significant financial pressure.
“Government needs to heed the warnings of a major coalition of financial, small business and agriculture industry bodies, who have raised numerous concerns about the Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023.
“The Government’s proposed ‘Super Tax’ fails to recognise significant unintended consequences and unfair outcomes for the nation’s primary producers and small businesses, who are the backbone of our economy.
“Taxing unrealised gains will result in undue financial burden on producers who are already battling rising input costs, increased regulatory red tape, and shrinking consumer spending.
“Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) are crucial tools for small businesses, used to manage assets and, most importantly, succession.
“At a time when it’s becoming increasingly difficult for older farmers to transition out of primary production and the younger generation to get a foot in the door, these proposed changes to the superannuation legislation risk shutting the door completely.
“Statistics from the Australian Taxation Office show more than $90 billion of commercial property, mainly primary production land and small business premises, is held by SMSFs.
“It is estimated approximately 14,000 SMSFs hold primary production assets, with approximately 25 per cent currently owning assets valued over the $3 million balance threshold proposed by the Government.
“The University of Adelaide estimates more than 13pc of impacted SMSF members would have experienced liquidity stress in meeting the new tax obligations if this tax had been introduced in the 2021 and 2022 financial years.
“It is imperative the Government addresses the inequities and makes crucial amendments before the Bill is legislated.”
ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Hayley Kennedy
hayley.kennedy@bluehillagency.com.au
0488 021 154
Tim Vetter
tim.vetter@bluehillagency.com.au
0439 681 793