Eastern Victoria Region
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:56): (722) The soaring increase in land tax in Victoria is hurting home owners, businesses and renters during a cost-of-living crisis. I received a call from Narelle from Pakenham, a local business owner of more than 34 years, and her land tax has increased by 400 per cent. Last year she paid $23,000; this year she is being slugged with an enormous $103,995 bill. This is completely unfair and unsustainable. After receiving it the business has three weeks to pay the money or else it can be paid in instalments, and if there are delays in either there will be additional penalties. The increase will inevitably ruin a lot of jobs. It will result in job losses and add even more to the cost-of-living crisis of struggling families. Will the Treasurer take responsibility for the job losses, the business closures and the loss of investment in Victoria as a result of these oppressive taxes?