NSW land tax a positive move, Keating says

"Moving away from existing structured land taxes would make for much more fluidity and ease of movement for people," Mr Keating told reporters on Thursday.

"It's a positive move."

The plan to allow first-home buyers the option to stagger payments over a period of time would offer first-home buyers flexibility.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns reaffirmed his party's strong opposition to the changes.

Families will have their stagnant pay packets taxed with rising property prices under the changes, he said.

"Mr Keating has repeatedly talked about declining wages for taxpayers in NSW and that's precisely the reason that we don't support these changes."

He called on the government to be upfront with voters if they planned on widening the policy for more households.

"Mr Keating's praise would only apply if the government's ultimate aim is to introduce a property tax for most or all households in NSW."

Under the scheme, first-home buyers would be given a choice between paying a one-off, up-front stamp duty or an annual property tax.

The former prime minister also praised the government's shared home equity scheme, saying it was important for frontline service workers to be able to live near their place of work.

A parliamentary inquiry has been established to scrutinise the government's property tax bill, with its first hearing next week.