Hostilities have flared yet again between the state government and City of Perth after the transport minister today flagged major changes to the remit of Perth’s parking levy.
Hostilities have flared yet again between the state government and City of Perth after the transport minister today flagged major changes to the remit of Perth’s parking levy.
The politically contentious fee, introduced under the Court government and paid by tenants with six car park bays or more, is currently used to raise funds for infrastructure and transport services throughout the city.
Tax receipts have frequently been higher than what is returned through spending, though, with the fund estimated to be worth approximately $200 million.
Latest budget papers show $58 million is expected to be raised through the levy this financial year.
Reforms outlined today by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti would expand the purpose for which that money can be spent, with a wide array of projects in line to receive funds if they are are deemed to deliver social or economic benefits to central Perth.
Ms Saffioti specifically mentioned upgrades to cultural assets like Perth Concert Hall as an example of where money could be spent.
Other minor adjustments include slightly shifting the boundaries within which funds can be used as well as provisions that would allow the fee to be waived under extraordinary circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re very keen to work with the city on this,” Ms Saffioti said.
“We think these changes will facilitate greater growth of the city, and of course, backs up the $1.5 billion primarily being spent by state and federal governments on the CBD.”
Ms Saffioti was noncommittal when asked whether the City of Perth had directly been consulted on the changes, saying the city had been notified of today's announcement and that conversations about modernising the legislation had been ongoing at ‘an official level’.
And though the government was hopeful the city would support its proposed reforms, Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas this afternoon appeared incensed by what had been put forward.
“I’ve got to say, it goes somewhat to the heart of the way these affairs are being managed,” Mr Zempilas told reporters.
“It’s very disappointing that there’s been no consultation … no inclusion of the city in the process, and no discussion whatsoever on the announcement that we heard today.”
Those remarks add to a long list of disagreements between the state government and City of Perth that extend as far back as 2021, when council initially came down against funding construction and upkeep of a community swimming pool under the Perth City Deal.
Although council walked back its initial disapproval and agreed to put money into construction, it remains noncommittal on funding upkeep of the facility.
Other issues, including Ms Saffioti’s decision to overrule council’s decision to block relocation of Ruah Community Services’ homelessness service drop-in centre, have similarly proved contentious, while Mr Zempilas was noticeably absent when the state government officially announced an Indigenous Cultural Centre would be built on land behind Perth Concert Hall.
Mr Zempilas, however, shrugged off suggestion that today's dispute formed part of a broader feud with the state government.
“I’m passionate about representing the ratepayers and the business owners of the City of Perth,” he said.
“That’s the job I’ve been elected to do. At times, that means we are in lockstep with the government. On other occasions, we’re going to be poles apart.
“On this issue, we’re poles apart.”
Changes to the Perth parking levy come as the Office of the Auditor General is set to publish its report on the fund's administration.
That report will address the Department of Transport's spending plans and evaluation of projects paid for by the fund.
