LNP to ditch stamp duty hikes: MP

Ted Sorensen

Karleila Thomsen

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• Stamp duty set to skyrocket
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THE Liberal National Party has pledged to scrap hefty stamp duty hikes included in this week's State Budget should it overturn Labor in the coming election.

Yesterday Hervey Bay MP Ted Sorensen said the “outrageous tax” would hit Hervey Bay households hard.

“The Bligh government's incessant cost of living increases are never ending,” Mr Sorensen said.

“Only the LNP can offer real change to the cost of living in Queensland.”

Meanwhile the Property Council of Australia is trying to look on the bright side.

Spokeswoman Kathy MacDermott said yesterday that the council took a “holistic view” of the budget announcements – believing the removal of the community Ambulance Levy and the $10,000 boost to buyers of new homes would stimulate the economy.

She said that measured against housing affordability, giving future generations access to home ownership and reviving construction would develop stronger economic and social outcomes than existing concessions.

“Clearly we would have preferred the boost not be funded by a loss in concessions within the property sector,” she said.

“However the Treasurer has committed to ensuring stamp duty in Queensland remains the lowest in mainland Australia, to stay competitive.”