Queensland’s Pine Rivers Council is gearing up for the introduction of the GST. In August Council representatives attended workshops on the GST, conducted by the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Following these workshops, a community business breakfast and a Council meeting have enabled many people confused over GST issues to put their queries to the experts. At the Council meeting, Councillors, senior management and other interested staff who had not attended the workshops were briefed on the impending changes.
Chief Executive Officer John Matthews said that Council will also conduct inhouse staff awareness programs for relevant Departments. “At this stage, Council, like most organisations, cannot be specific about the full impact of the GST on our operations,” he said.
“However, the effects of the GST on the Council’s operations is clearer following these workshops. At this stage, we are keen to see our own staff being trained in the new tax rather than employ outside expertise.”
Manager Financial Services Kerry Dobinson said Pine Rivers formed a GST Steering Committee when the new tax was given the go ahead. This comprises representatives from all relevant Departments. He said training has included one to one consultation for key staff in the Accounts and Purchasing areas.
One issue which remains problematic is the unknowns associated with Section 81 which deals with exemptions. “Because legislators are still considering some of the issues associated with exemptions, we cannot be completely sure of where we stand at this stage,” Kerry Dobinson said.
Council also hosted a business breakfast attended by 300 local people wanting to know more about how the GST would affect them. They were addressed by an expert from the Taxation Office. An extensive question and answer session helped many to better understand how the tax will be implemented and the implications for their own operations.
For further information contact Kerry Dobinson, telephone (07) 3205 0540.
