By XAVIER SMERDON
SOME of Wyndham’s older residents are rejoicing after claiming a win on behalf of people power.
Late last year Star reported that the Australian Taxation Office had made a draft ruling that would have seen the GST on the houses of almost 1000 mobile home residents in Wyndham increased by 10 per cent.
But the ATO recently announced that following steady campaigns from seniors groups, the draft ruling would be reversed.
“Over the past seven weeks, we have been considering a range of submissions from the community and stakeholders as part of our consultation process,” Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan said in a statement.
“We have carefully considered the legal arguments and practical implications and decided that we don’t need to change the existing GST treatment of these estates.
“Our preliminary view had been that moveable home estates were not sufficiently similar to caravan parks to be commercial residential premises.”
Member for Lalor Joanne Ryan had raised the matter in parliament on behalf of Wyndham residents.
“This is fantastic news for those living in local residential parks but also the wider community,” Ms Ryan said.
“But it was only achieved because of the work and determination of local residents who were willing to stand up and be heard.
“This back down will provide some welcome relief to those living in mobile homes, particularly those on a pension or fixed retirement income.”
Ison Village resident Bub Purvis who campaigned against the increased tax, said the reversal of the decision was a win for the people.
“Some people coming in to these kinds of places don’t have a lot of money, so for them to have that weight of their shoulders, is like winning the tattslotto,” Mr Purvis said.
“We’ve shown that we’re willing to fight and I think the reason it was reversed was people power, for sure.”
