Property developers hire Christopher Pyne’s advisory business to lobby Steven Marshall over land tax reform
Christopher Pyne, once one of SA’s most influential Liberal MPs and one of the Premier’s biggest mentors, has been hired by property developers to lobby against the land tax.
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One of Premier Steven Marshall’s biggest mentors has been hired to lobby him over controversial land tax reforms by a group of property developers.
Former defence minister Christopher Pyne’s GC Advisory business has been hired through WRP Lawyers to represent five development companies on the land tax matter.
“GC Advisory is engaged by WRP to assist some of their clients on land tax,” Mr Pyne confirmed to The Advertiser this morning.
“In the interests of full disclosure and out of an abundance of caution we had added these companies to the register.
“We are proud to work with SA companies and individuals who make a great contribution to our states economy.”
The state government lobbyist register shows GC Advisory added Duke Group, Fiora Group, Polites Group, Precision Group and Ginos Group to its list of clients today.
Labor frontbencher Tom Koutsantonis said the appointment would send “shockwaves” through Liberal ranks and proved “the Premier’s claims that almost everyone being better off just isn’t what South Australians believe”.
“This will send shockwaves through the SA Liberal Party and shows deep divisions internally,” he said.
It’s understood the major development companies are pushing for changes to the reforms, rather than for them to be scrapped.
The cohort includes the prolific Polites Group, the iconic Adelaide real estate company established by late property tycoon Con Polites, and Ginos Group, which owns a number of prominent buildings in the CBD.
The Duke Group also owns a number of commercial properties on King William Rd, while the Fiora Group, which includes land developer Tali Corporation, is currently developing The Rise and The Pines.
Precision Group is also a prominent developer, which is currently upgrading the Port Canal Shopping Centre in Port Adelaide.
Mr Marshall said SA businesses were free to hire whoever they liked to represent their interests and views to the Government.
“All feedback is welcome as we embark on the biggest reduction in land tax in the state’s history,” Mr Marshall said.
The Property Council welcomed Mr Pyne joining the push against the land tax reforms.
"We welcome a diversity and depth of voices as part of our fight for a fair go, including Christopher Pyne," SA executive director Daniel Gannon said.
“Over the past 106 days, the State Government’s risky land tax proposal has taken a sledgehammer to confidence and scared investment away from our state.”
WRP Lawyers have been contacted for comment.