THE federal government 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, Labor refused to rule out forcing farmers to pay the tax even if they have a failed season with no income.
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 cashflows 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 the government's new tax would hurt Australian farmers during a cost-of-living crisis and take money away from regional, rural and remote Australia.
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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.
“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."
Mr Littleproud said many families had previously set up SMSFs as their future retirement and savings, unaware the government 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," he said.
"Not only are they now coming for your superannuation, they are coming for the increased value of assets in a SMSF.
