Corrected Version: State Government Makes Caravans Cheaper In Nsw

CORRECTED VERSION
State Government Makes Caravans Cheaper in NSW

16 June 2009

Caravans and camper trailers in NSW will be around $1,000 cheaper as of 1 July 2009 thanks to the abolition of Stamp Duty on caravans and camper trailers announced in today's NSW State Budget.

The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) welcomes today's announcement and thanks NSW State Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, as the decision is predicted to benefit both NSW consumers and businesses.

Barry Baillie, CEO of the CCIA, says that an unfair playing field has been present for some years, where manufacturers and dealers in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia were exempt from Stamp Duty taxes.

"Consumers of caravan and camper trailer products have been severely disadvantaged over the years by having to pay excessive taxes in NSW when they could purchase the same vehicle interstate for substantially less."

"Now, with the latest State Government budget announcement, as of 1 July, consumers will now save around $1,000 on the purchase of a new caravan or camper trailer in NSW giving them more money to spend on their travels," said Mr Baillie

The industry also predicts that over 130 New South Wales based caravan and camper trailer manufacturers and dealers will directly benefit from the abolition of the stamp duty.

"There are around 100,000 caravans registered in NSW with around 2,600 sold every year by NSW businesses, which is worth around $83 million annually to the NSW economy."

"This latest announcement could see a return some 400 jobs to the industry that had previously been hit by the effects of the economic downturn," Mr Baillie commented.

"As the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia, caravan and camper trailer holidays will now be even more affordable for Australians this year with additional dollars being spent in regional communities on caravan and RV trips."

CCIA has lobbied the State Government since the beginning of 2008 to abolish Stamp Duty on caravans and camper trailers. This led to a recommendation by the IPART Review of State Taxes in October 2008 to abolish the tax.

"After some months of lobbying, the industry welcomes the decision of the State Government to abolish Stamp Duty on caravans and camper trailers as recommended in the IPART Review."

ENDS

Media Contact: Maria Crema m 0416 148 842 e [email protected]


SOURCE: Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW