Thursday, 19 October 2023

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:13): My question is to the Premier. Yesterday the High Court found that the government’s electric vehicle tax was unlawful. When will Victorians who have been charged this unlawful tax be reimbursed?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:13): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. I believe the Treasurer and I answered this question yesterday, but I am happy to repeat for the benefit of the Leader of the Opposition that we will take time to consider the ruling handed down yesterday by the High Court. There was a lot of detail in the decision. The Treasurer is seeking advice, and when there is further advice provided and decisions made, that information will be communicated.

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn – Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): Today the Treasurer stated the High Court’s decision to scrap Victoria’s electric vehicle tax could force the state to ‘totally recast the way that we raise revenue’. Will the Premier guarantee that the High Court decision will not be used to increase taxes even further?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:14): As I said, we are reviewing the decision. We will get advice, and when we have more information to say on this matter, we will. But I also note the Leader of the Opposition referred to the Treasurer’s comments. I will also refer to some other comments made today:

At some point we do have to have a close look at road user charges.

Yes,

… there will need to be a time when we need to look more broadly at how you fund the maintenance … and construction of our roads.

In saying this today, the Leader of the Opposition has made very clear that he supports a road user charge. As more and more electric vehicles drive on our roads, the Leader of the Opposition has indicated this is something he supports.