This week, in a meeting convened by the Quandamooka Yoolaburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) – the body that holds native title rights on trust for Straddie’s traditional owners – QYAC leaders proposed what is, in effect, a Straddie Tourist Tax.
QYAC calls it “The Pledge”. But when it’s a fee they seem to want to charge to all businesses and to each person who visits the island, to be collected by QYAC and spent as they see fit, we should call it what it is.
It’s a tax.
QYAC are not the government, and this is not the government’s policy. It will never be our policy.
Straddie belongs to everyone, and tourism is to be welcomed and encouraged.
Our tourism businesses are already doing it tough, and a thriving tourism industry is vital to the living standards of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents alike.
Our tourism businesses are already doing it tough, and a thriving tourism industry is vital to the living standards of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents alike.
It’s important that we respect all cultures and the role they play in our community.
But that does not give any one social group the right to levy taxes on another.
But that does not give any one social group the right to levy taxes on another.
That’s a job for governments alone, because they are held accountable to us all through the democratic process.
Sign the petition and say NO to the Straddie Tourist Tax.
Hon Amanda Stoker MP
Member for Oodgeroo
Member for Oodgeroo
Authorised by Amanda Stoker MP, 19 Waterloo Street, Cleveland QLD 4163