PM Transcripts

* i) A USf K A . I A
PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT NO. 379
22 November 1974
INDUSTRIES ASSISTANCE COMMISSION REPORTINDUSTRIAL
TRACTORS
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today that
the Government has accepted the recommendations of the
Industries Assistance Commission in its report on Industrial
Tractors. The report was released on 13 August 1974.
The Government's decision to implement thf! Commission's
recommendations will mean that crawler tractors will continue
to be dutiable at minimum rates while the General rate for
other types of industri * al tractors will increase from the
present rate of 15 per cent to 20 per cent.
Mr Whitlam said that specified components of industrial
tractors which previously were dutiable at rates different
from those of the tractor unit itself will now attract the rate
of duty of the tractor base.
Mr Whitlam, said that for tractors forming the base for
earthmoving equipment the tractor unit will be duitable at
the appropriate tractor rate, but the earthmoving equipment
portion would be regarded for duty purposes as earthmoving
equipment. Licensing controls currently applying to imports of
used, second hand and disposals equipment will continue.
Mr Whitlam also mentioned that the Commission had
suggested that by-law admission be granted to certain four wheei
drive tractors and tractor chassis fitted with engines, and that
the existing by-law treatment be continued in respect of
transmissions, axles, etc. for industrial tractors. Mr Whitlam
added that as the Government had been advised, since receipt
of the Commission's report, of the recent commencement of
production of certain four wheel drive tractors in Australia,
the by-law power criterion suggested by the Commission for these
tractors could be varied.
A detailed statement bof the Customs tariff chanqes arising
from the Government's decision will be issued by the Minister
for Customs and Excise when arrangements have been finealis:-d
to implement the new duty rates.
CANBERRA. A. C. T.