FED: ITOA reacts to casino tax exemption plan

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-1999
FED: ITOA reacts to casino tax exemption plan

While the federal government is being ridiculed over its decision to grant GST exemptions
for casino high rollers, at least one major tourism body says it's encouraged by the move.

The Inbound Tourism Organisation of Australia says the exemptions for payments and
commissions to high-roller gamblers is a sign the government is weakening its resolve to tax
certain tourist markets.

ITOA chairman PETER DOGGETT says he was taken by surprise by the move, but now believes
there may be some room for negotiations and an opportunity for tourism to voice its case on
the GST.

ITOA has called for a zero-rating for tourism services sold overseas.

It says applying a GST to tour packages sold offshore will wipe $1.6 billion from
Australia's export income.

Mr DOGGETT says the federal government should not single out casinos for special treatment,
and called for the GST exemption to be broadened to include other areas of the tourism
industry.

AAP RTV bja/was/jn

KEYWORD: TAX CASINO ITOA (CAIRNS)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.