Canberra welcomes Qld decision to exempt aged care providers from paying land tax

The Federal Government has applauded the decision by the Queensland Government’s  Budget decision to exempt residential aged care providers from paying land tax as part of the measure “Tax concessions to assist older persons”.

The Budget papers show that this will lower land tax receipts by $20 million over four years.

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot officially congratulated the Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, Queensland Treasurer, Mr Andrew Fraser and Queensland Minister for Seniors, Lindy Nelson-Carr.

The  Queensland  Government said it hoped to have it in place by 1 January, 2009.

In Queensland, there are about 500 services, providing more than 30,000 residential places. The move brings Queensland into line with a number of other states, including New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia – who have abolished land tax for aged care providers.

This decision extends the existing exemption for retirement villages to aged care homes.

“This is a welcome move that will benefit older Australians by lowering the operating costs for aged care homes,” Mrs Elliot said.