THE furore in WA over the heavily marketed tax schemes appears to be gaining an increasing profile in Canberra, with the matter being given a big airing at Federal Cabinet this week.
Heavyweight WA politicians Julie Bishop, Daryl Williams and Wilson Tuckey are all believed to have weighed in to the argument which has become a significant WA issue, particularly in the Goldfields.
It is understood Federal Govern-ment representatives are set to meet industry members in a bid to defuse the issue where as many as 30,000 people face big tax bills because the tax office rejected deductions, in many cases going back several years.
It seems the Howard Government is looking to turn its sights on the promoters of tax-effective schemes, rather than continuing an aggressive push against investors during the
lead-up to a Federal election
where WA is viewed as a key State.
The tax office action has been going for about four years but it appears to have stepped up its campaign recently, prompting mass meetings of investors.
Last week, Prime Minister John Howard faced public complaints over the issue during a visit to Kalgoorlie.
Moves to further tighten the industry, following the introduction