The Victorian Nationals have a practical plan to remove unfair taxes and charges that are placing enormous pressure on Victorian families, says local MP Tim Bull and Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell.
“Victorians do not have a spending problem. The Allan Government does, and families should not be expected to keep paying the price for it,” said Ms Rendell.
“Households are being squeezed by increased State Government taxes and rising power bills the state promised to reduce but has dismally failed on.
“Victorians are working hard, but too many feel like they are going backwards because every time they turn around, there is another bill to pay.
“This government has spent all its own money and now it is coming after yours,” she said.
Mr Bull said Victoria’s own budget papers tell the story, with state debt forecast to reach $199.3 billion by 2029-30 and interest repayments alone just on $28 million every day.
“Before a single dollar is spent on hospitals, police, schools or country roads, Victorians will be paying almost $28 million of interest a day simply to service debt.”
“Victorians should not be paying for years of financial mismanagement through higher taxes and bigger bills.
“The government then comes up with rebate and assistance schemes but it’s very disingenuous – they tax you more to then give you a small subsidy – the classic case of robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Mr Bull said.
Under the Victorian Nationals’ cost-of-living plan, three immediate measures will help reduce household expenses.
The Victorian Nationals will:
- Scrap the Emergency Services Tax, removing an unfair burden on households, businesses and farmers.
- Abolish Labor’s health tax (the GP surcharge), making it easier and more affordable to visit the doctor.
- Remove stamp duty for first-home buyers purchasing properties valued up to $1 million, helping more achieve home ownership.
Ms Rendell said these were practical measures that would provide real relief and it can be paid for by cutting the waste and major cost overruns on projects that have destroyed the state’s finances.
“The recent $15 billion that was misused on various corrupt activities on CFMEU building sites, is just the tip of the iceberg on waste.
“Our emergency services volunteers already give their time freely to protect our communities. They should not be asked to pay another state government tax.”
“This is about putting money back into people’s household budgets and giving families some breathing space.”
