Poll: Land Tax Aggregation Supported by 4 in 5 South Australians

New research from The Australia Institute has found strong support amongst South Australians for land tax aggregation, funding for affordable housing and measures that would require politicians to reveal personal interests before voting on land tax legislation.

Key findings;

-          4 out of 5 South Australians (81%) support property portfolio aggregation for taxation purposes

-          9 out of ten South Australians (91%) believe that politicians should be forced to disclose whether they will personally benefit from the changes before they vote

-          72% of South Australians believe property tax should be progressive

-          78% of South Australians believe that some or all of the money going to property investors should instead be used on affordable housing

“There is a strong sentiment in the South Australian community that property investors should be taxed on the combined value of their portfolios,” said Noah Schultz-Byard, Director of The Australia Institute SA.

“Our research shows that South Australians want land tax changes that keep the system progressive while making it fairer through aggregation.

“Despite claims to the contrary from some organisations, the Marshall Government’s changes to land tax will actually see more money going back to property investors overall. South Australians, overwhelmingly, would rather see that funding going to affordable housing for those who are doing it tough, as has been suggested by the South Australian Council of Social Services (SACOSS).

“The opinion poll also asked respondents if South Australian politicians should be required to reveal whether they would personally benefit from land tax reforms that they are voting on. 91% agreed that South Australian politicians should be required to reveal whether they will personally benefit. Only 3% said that they should not.”