Adelaide’s proposed car park tax faces public, business and political opposition

The proposed car park tax in Adelaide has seen an opposing petition signed by 10,000 South Australians to halt the introduction, with fears it will be carried by those who shop, work and reside in the city.

However, they have also been joined by senior politicians and businesses, according to the Property Council of Australia (SA Division) executive director, Richard Angove.

Family First’s Robert Brokenshire and Dennis Hood are planning to block the Transport Development Levy.

“Public opposition to the tax has held sway with senior politicians and divided Parliament's Upper House,” said Angove.

The parking tax in Adelaide’s starting rate would be set at $750 per annum – more than triple the rate in Sydney. Angove warns that there is no assurance it won’t also ripple out towards the suburbs, as Sydney’s had. He also noted that since 1992, Sydney’s car park tax has increased eight times.

“South Australians have been staunch in their objection to this discriminatory, inefficient tax,” he said.

“The cost of the Adelaide car park tax, like Melbourne, like Sydney, will be borne by those who choose to shop, work and enjoy the activities in our city.

“The Property Council is urging politicians to oppose this tax on productivity, on business and on central city vibrancy,” Richard Angove said.