Ansett levy to be axed
By Simon Kearney
March 30, 2003
THE controversial Ansett ticket levy, which collects $11 million a month from airline users, is expected to be dropped when Federal Cabinet meets on Tuesday.
It would have the immediate effect of reducing most return air fares by $10, although the tax may be re-introduced later because of new legal action against Ansett administrators.
Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson will recommend a suspension of the scheme, which the Cabinet is believed to have agreed in principle to axe.
The levy, which was introduced to cover the entitlements of 10,000 Ansett workers, has collected $210 million.
But a last-minute lawsuit by a superannuation fund has raised the possibility the tax might be needed again.
An appeal was lodged last week by the trustee of the Ansett Australia Ground Staff Superannuation Plan on behalf of 8700 members. It seeks between $150 million and $200 million.
The Sunday Telegraph