The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, says an elected Nationals government will deliver meaningful cost-of-living relief by reducing taxes on families, farmers, first home buyers and small businesses.
Ms Rendell said Victorians were paying the price for years of government waste.
“Families, businesses and farmers are doing it tough, yet Labor continues to treat them as a bottomless source of revenue,” Ms Rendell said.
“A Coalition government will take real action to reduce that burden and put more money back into the pockets of Victorians.”
Ms Rendell said the Coalition would scrap Labor’s Emergency Services Tax and restore the more transparent Fire Services Property Levy, continuing to provide sustainable funding for the CFA, SES and other emergency services while removing a significant financial burden from property owners.
“We support properly funding our emergency services, but they shouldn’t be funded through an unfair tax grab that hits families, farmers and small businesses.”
To help more young Victorians achieve the dream of home ownership, the Coalition will also abolish stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing homes valued at up to $1 million, whether established or off-the-plan.
“This is a game-changing policy that will help thousands of young people get into the housing market sooner instead of spending years trying to save enough to cover stamp duty.”
Ms Rendell said the Coalition would also restore the $300,000 land tax-free threshold, easing pressure on property owners and helping reduce upward pressure on rents.
“Our plan will also provide payroll tax relief for around 23,000 Victorian businesses by increasing the payroll tax-free threshold, helping local businesses employ more people and invest with confidence.”
“This will be made possible by pausing Labor’s costly Suburban Rail Loop and cutting corruption, reducing the public service and halting the massive cost overruns on major projects.
Ms Rendell said the Coalition’s focus was on reducing the tax burden rather than finding new ways to increase it.
“Victorians have had enough of paying more and getting less.
“The Nationals in Government will back families, support businesses, encourage investment and restore the opportunity for people to own a home, create jobs and build a better future,” Ms Rendell said.
