Michael Paag, Liberal Candidate for Blue Mountains welcomed Peter Debnam’s announcement today to cut land tax.

“Under Labor we pay more tax per person than in any other state,” said Mr Paag.

“Labor has introduced 86 new taxes, charges and levies which has hurt small business and local tourism.

“A Liberal/Nationals Government will lift the land tax threshold to $415,000, saving some local families, small businesses and tourist operators up to $1,000 per annum.

“This is in addition to our plan to lift the payroll tax threshold from $600,000 to $850,000, saving some local employers up to $15,000 per annum.

“What better way to encourage local employment and support tourism in the Blue Mountains than to cut payroll tax and land tax.

“At a time when many local businesses are struggling Labor continues to belt Blue Mountains small business and tourism operators with unfairly high state taxes while refusing to adequately fund Tourism NSW.

“To add insult to injury Labor wants to massively increase Sydney Water Developer Charges thereby bringing into doubt the viability of future tourism developments and employment prospects.

“You don’t have to imagine what life will be like if Labor is elected on March 24.

“The choice is clear, either continue with the waste and mismanagement of Labor or elect a local who has a plan to create local jobs, support local business and help mountains families,” Mr Paag concluded.