Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has raised questions with the Minister for Housing about how much money the state government’s short-stay tax has taken from local government areas across the region.
Nine months since the tax was introduced, locals continue to voice frustration, with little to show for the extra money being stripped from communities.
Ms Cleeland said housing continues to stagnate across regional Victoria despite the addition of new and increasing taxes.
“Despite record demand, the Government has not released updated figures from the Victorian Housing Register since March,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The most recent data shows 66,117 active applications – the highest number on record – meaning families across regional Victoria are still waiting years for secure housing.
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“At the same time, the cost of buying a home continues to soar, with up to 45 per cent of the price of a new property made up of government taxes, fees, and charges.
"These costs are punishing young people and families trying to get a foot in the door.”
Ms Cleeland said the short-stay tax is just another example of the state government’s addiction to tax grabs.
“This is a government that will always reach into the pockets of regional Victorians before fixing the mess it has made of housing,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Most of the money raised won’t return to our region, yet it is locals here who are being hit hardest.”
The government’s mishandling of land tax has further undermined confidence, with recent revelations indicating they incorrectly tried to collect at least $82.1 million in land tax that was not owed.
“Labor admitted that 1,549 objections lodged against 2023–24 land tax assessments were accepted in part or in full, representing $82.1 million wrongly billed,” Ms Cleeland said.
“On top of this, 530 more objections were still waiting to be assessed, which could result in millions more unfairly charged.
“Families are struggling with the cost of living, yet Labor continues to gouge them with unfair, poorly thought-out taxes.
"Regional communities deserve better.”
