Tax Commissioner reconsiders PBI status of health centres

Victoria’s Health Minister, Mr Andrews, yesterday told Parliament that the Commissioner of Taxation has put a stay on his decision to revoke the public benevolent institution (PBI) status and other tax concessions of community health centres. He said he had made representations to the Assistant Treasurer in Canberra, the Hon. Chris Bowen.
Mr Andrews was replying to a question from the Leader of the National Party, Mr Ryan, who asked if the Minister had failed to take measures to ensure community health centres were not affected by the Australian Taxation Office ruling.
The Minister said that he had started a a review of the legislative arrangements surrounding independent community health.
The ADAVB last month made representations to Mr Andrews about the removal of the PBI status, along with other matters, saying it would be a disincentive for dentists to remain in the public health sector.