Hon Speaker, the Tax Administration Law Amendment Bill makes provision for the enactment of an international agreement into law, and further amends various laws dealing with the administration of tax in South Africa.
The aim of the international agreement is to provide for the implementation of the one-stop border post between South Africa and Mozambique, which will allow joint control and management of border crossing, making the whole process more public friendly and contributing to the flow of tourism between the two countries.
For the first time, this Bill also regulates the compulsory registrations of tax practitioners with a recognised controlling body and the establishment of an independent regulatory board for tax practitioners. This will be done in two phases and will definitely enhance the effectiveness of the tax practitioners' industry.
Finally, there has been a plea from the industry, following the regulatory approach, that limited statutory privilege must be extended to tax advice provided by tax advisors who are not lawyers.
Treasury correctly pointed out that there are limited examples in the world where this is allowed, and it is a highly contested issue. We should remain on the conservative side and not allow this fairly easily. Cope supports this Bill.
Concerning the second Bill, the Taxation Amendment Bill, that is before this House, its purpose is basically to amend, delete and insert certain definitions as well as effect technical corrections in various taxation laws. It will, of course, be supported by Cope.
The Bill deals with the aspects of tax proposals that were made in the 2012 Budget, and addresses the changes to rates and thresholds.
We have had extensive hearings as a committee on this Bill, as the chair has already indicated. It is never fun to pay tax, but, like death, it is an aspect of life that you cannot dodge.
The spending of tax must always be underpinned by the effectiveness of the state to provide services and not to waste. In doing so, it keeps the tax fraternity happy so that the contributors can do so with a better mind.
Tax spending and collection are always about a fair business and trust. Both partners must be happy and make the process a win-win situation. Again, as I have indicated, Cope is supporting the Taxation Amendment Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]