To the well for last time

Treasurer says latest hikes will be end of new charges

“TOUGH” budget decisions expected to raise $2.2 million from Territorians’ hip pockets are the last of the government’s revenue raising plans for the upcoming budget, Labor says.

Treasurer Nicole Manison yesterday announced an increase in fees and charges for gun owners, commercial vehicle operators and people ap- plying for a working with children clearance.

Also on the list of “modest but fair” fee hikes are an increase in MVR administration fees, building inspection fees and fees for false fire alarms.

“I thought it was important that we talk about the revenue measures in the budget early,” Ms Manison said.

“We are a week and a half out from delivering the Territory budget ... we’ve had to make some really, really hard decisions in the budget.”

The announcement follows a larger raft of revenue raising, announced on Thursday, which will see the government raise $3.1 million in additional pokies taxes, $4.2 million stamp duty and $5.3 million in car and motorbike registration in the upcoming fiscal year.

“Make no mistake, the next 12 months will be challenging ... we’ve tried to keep (the increases) as modest and minimal as possible,” Ms Manison said.

The bottom line of Ms Manison’s first budget, due to be delivered on May 2, has been hit by “absolutely catastrophic” cuts in GST revenue, which will contribute to an expected $1.3 billion deficit in 2017/2018 alone.

Ms Manison yesterday also confirmed the Gunner government will fund an existing $10 million commitment to upgrade infrastructure at the site of the $200 million luxury hotel development near The Waterfront.

A spokeswoman said the $10 million will be paid to Chinese developers Landbridge, with local businesses able to bid for the work through the NT Industry Capability Network.

Ms Manison said the hotel-would create more than 500 construction jobs and the hotel will be a massive drawcard for Territory visitors.