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Labor refuses to rule out tax on unrealised capital gains for farmers' SMSF-held properties

Labor has not ruled out taxing unrealised capital gains on farmers' properties held in SMSFs, even in seasons with no income. Nationals' leader David Littleproud criticizes the proposal as harmful to farmers.

By Portal Admin - 18th November 2024 - Back to News

Labor has refused to rule out forcing farmers to pay tax on the unrealised capital gains of their farm, if the property is held in a self-managed super fund (SMSF). In a startling revelation in Parliament House today, Labor has also refused to rule out forcing farmers to pay the tax even if they have a failed season with no income.

Minister Collins and the Albanese government misunderstand farmers' cash flow, aiming to tax on-paper gains deceitfully when funds run low

Labor hurts farmers

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Agriculture Minister Julie Collins had shown callous disregard to farmers, after being asked about the cyclical nature of cash flows of farming and how it would impact farms held in a SMSF.

Minister Collins did not rule out bad seasons, instead stating SMSFs are required to have liquid assets to meet tax requirements and "individuals can choose how they pay their tax Mr Speaker, either out of their superannuation account or from their own pocket".

Mr Littleproud said Labor's new tax would hurt Australian farmers during a cost-of-living crisis and take money away from regional, rural and remote Australia. He said any increases in asset value to a family farm or business held in a SMSF with a diverse portfolio worth more than $3 million, meeting liquidity requirements, would be taxed at the 30 per cent threshold rate every financial year.

Labor targets super

Mr Littleproud said, "Minister Collins demonstrated today that she and the Albanese government have no understanding of the vagaries of farmers' cash loss that are impacted by not just weather but commodity prices. But Labor now wants to tax them year after year - simply by using an on-paper gain. It is deceitful and it goes to show, when Labor runs out of money, they always come after yours."

Mr Littleproud said many families had previously set up SMSFs as their future retirement and savings, unaware Labor could come for their assets. Labor is also unable to say how many primary producers, small and family business owners will be impacted.

"Labor is misleading regional, rural and remote Australia, breaking its promise that it wouldn't touch superannuation before the election. Not only are they now coming for your superannuation, they are coming for the increased value of assets in a SMSF," said Mr Lettleproud.

Pictures from David Littleproud MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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• Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
  Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
  The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
  The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland.
• Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
  Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Invest Bass Coast Forum with key speaker David Robertson to be held at RACV Inverloch Resort on 24 April 2026
  Bass Coast Shire will host the Invest Bass Coast Forum on April 24, connecting investors and industry leaders to explore market trends, regional growth, development opportunities and economic outlook.
• Baw Baw Shire Council encourages community groups to apply for 2026‑2027 grants supporting projects and minor capital works
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2026‑2027 Community Grants Program supports not-for-profit groups with funding for projects up to $5,000 and minor capital works up to $10,000, promoting thriving, sustainable communities.
• Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
  Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
  Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability.