More taxes under Labor will destroy business confidence
At a time when Melbourne desperately needs investment to grow and conditions that allow businesses to thrive, the Allan Labor Government has once again reached for the tax lever – this time hitting Melbourne with even more punitive charges.
New increases to the congestion levy will push daily parking costs in the city beyond $20 a day, with government taxes making up over $12 of that total. Wilson Parking estimates the average annual tax per city parking bay will skyrocket from $1,750 to $3,030 under the changes.
This comes on top of a proposed $83,000 in new taxes for city office towers, further hammering the very employers Melbourne needs to rebuild its post-pandemic economy.
Victoria's Executive Director of the Property Council, Cath Evans, has warned that Labor's "unpredictable and punitive taxation regime is contradicting [the government's] economic growth statement, leading to investor flight and increasing cost-of-living pressures."
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said Labor's new taxes would push more businesses to the brink.
"Since the pandemic, Melbourne's CBD has struggled. Many businesses have already closed their doors, and those that remain need support – not more punishment," Mr Battin said.
"Businesses need a city that's safe, vibrant and open for investment. Instead, Labor is taxing visitors, employers and workers out of the CBD."
Shadow Treasurer, James Newbury, said Labor was ignoring economic reality and sabotaging its own stated goals.
"As Victoria's economy continues to underperform and business confidence craters, the Allan Labor Government's answer is always the same – tax more," Mr Newbury said.
"Labor's unpredictable and punitive tax regime is the reason investors are fleeing Victoria. These new charges contradict every promise the government has made about economic growth."
"Melbourne is falling behind – and it's Labor's fault, because of their tax addiction."
The Liberals and Nationals are calling on the Allan Government to stop its reckless tax hikes and work with the business community to revive Melbourne's CBD and restore Victoria's economic competitiveness.
