Media Release

KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter intends to move legislation that would see a fairer average tax rate for rugby league players.

As the new season commences and contracts are negotiated, Mr Katter has sparked fresh debate that the limited career life-span of the footballer combined with salary cap restrictions, warrants providing them with a fairer go when it comes to taxing their income.

“The completion of contracts last week gave great joy to north Queenslanders” Mr Katter said.

“Whilst north Queensland revelled in Ray Thompson’s star rising on Saturday, there was another group that were rubbing their hands together on the contracts – the tax department.

“Our footballers are pushed into high tax brackets and all of the NRL players, particularly the sparkling stars, are liable to pay provisional tax as well.

“When they retire, from either age or injury, most don’t have huge opportunities to pursue further employment.

Mr Katter said, “As a life time player and official, I am well aware that footballers risk their life and limbs to provide joy to the millions of rugby league fans.

“Their contribution is at a great cost and when you look at their income over a 20 year period, even for the giant stars, it is relatively poor. This is because tax has chewed up more than half their income.”

Mr Katter said, “Other parts of the Australian economy enjoy the benefits of tax averaging. We are crying out that these averaging provisions, that have existed in other parts of the economy, should be extended to the Matty Bowen’s and Jonathan Thurston’s (to name but a few).”