AT a time where the cost of living is at inordinate level, causing ineffable pressure in most households, it’s an even bigger blow that Victorians pay the highest taxes in Australia.
Early last week, the Liberals and Nationals Coalition launched a discussion paper aimed at reforming Victoria’s tax system and easing the burden on singles, families and businesses, ‘Making Victoria’s Tax System Work – Reducing cost pressures for families, community groups and business’.
It seeks public input on how to make Victoria’s tax system more competitive, encourage investment in our state and ease the burden on our state’s taxpayers.
Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell was in Shepparton last week to reiterate the significance of public contributions to the review and encourage Victorians to address any of the considerations raised in the discussion paper that they feel is relevant to them.
Submissions will close on October 31 2023 and the Coalition will be consulting further with communities before releasing milestone policies as part of its economic reform agenda in the lead up to the 2026 State Election.
A proposed new tax, which would be the Labor Governments 50th new and increased tax since it was elected in 2014, would slug tourists with a fee for staying in holiday accommodation in Victoria.
Wendy Lovell MP, State Member for Northern Victoria, spoke of how this would impact our region.
“How will this affect border towns in particular? Would it influence tourists to stay in Moama instead of Echuca for example?”, Wendy asked.
“Wages are generally lower here in the regions. Who feels the pinch the most from these excessive taxes? We do here. Victoria isn’t just Melbourne, and we need to hold the Labor Government accountable for regional towns and cities falling by the wayside.”
Brad Rowswell described the current Victorian tax system as punitive, “It discourages rather than incentivises investment and job creation in our state. It adds costs to businesses and families actively trying to get ahead. It undermines choice and creativity.”
Greater accountability and transparency around taxes is being sought well ahead of the next election to ensure cost pressures are reduced for families, community groups and businesses where possible. Submissions are now open for all members of the community to have their voices heard.
