Johnathan Davis MLA will today move a motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly calling on the Assembly to investigate if a Vacancy Tax could be a solution to the high rates of commercial vacancies in Canberra.
“Canberra was designed to ensure each suburb has their own shops, schools and recreation spaces. However, we know of too many instances throughout our suburbs, particularly in my community of Tuggeranong, where commercial property has been left vacant. These vacancies rob communities of their full potential,” Mr Davis said.
“My constituents in Tuggeranong have been frustrated for some time about the state of a number of local shopping centres that have remained vacant for a long time – some for more than 10 years.
“We don’t know why property owners are able to keep those properties vacant for so long and we need to get to the bottom of it.
“Additionally, such an inquiry would allow us to work out exactly how many residential properties are vacant in Canberra and why. This work is so important while Australia grapples with a housing affordability crisis. We cannot afford to have a single home in Canberra vacant while we have so many who need a home.
“My motion calls on the ACT Legislative Assembly to investigate if a vacancy tax could incentivise commercial and residential landlords to ensure their properties meet community expectations.
