Rural West MP Richard Lewis has criticised the government for failing to circulate proposed legislation to MPs in a timely manner.
Speaking during Thursday’s parliamentary sitting on the Tax Administration and Procedure Amendment Bill 2025, Lewis said delayed distribution of bills hampers proper research and scrutiny. “We have to ensure bills are circulated in the time stipulated in the Standing Orders,” he said.
Lewis expressed conditional support for the bill, which targets neglected and abandoned properties with long-standing unpaid taxes. The bill allows the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to register statutory charges on defaulting properties and sell seized assets via public auction or sealed tender, with proceeds allocated as specified in the amendment. The law also outlines procedures for advertising sales, setting reserve prices, and completing transfers free of liabilities.
Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle echoed concerns about property neglect, calling on both citizens and the government to maintain cleanliness. He warned that seizing citizens’ property should remain a “last resort” and urged the government to address derelict state-owned buildings.
