The Labor Government has engaged third-party debt collectors as the Department of Treasury and Finance annual report reveals more than 31 per cent of debt is more than 12 months overdue.
The State Revenue Office states these overdue debts are a result of: "Significant increases experienced in aged debts both during, and post-COVID-19, particularly in relation to 2022, 2023 and 2024 Land Tax assessment cycles and more recently as a result of increases in the customer base and tax assessed."
Amid a cost-of-living crisis, when Victorians are already struggling to pay their bills, Labor is wasting taxpayer dollars chasing vulnerable people who have been hit with soaring tax bills.
Following a decade of financial mismanagement, Victoria's net debt is growing by more than $2 million an hour and is expected to reach a record $194 billion by 2028-29.
Shadow Treasurer, Jess Wilson, said: "With Victoria's net debt growing by $2 million an hour, it should be no surprise Labor has engaged debt collectors to chase up every single tax dollar they can.
"These overdue bills are a result of Labor's mismanagement and ever-increasing taxes which, in many cases, have been incorrectly issued or at inaccurate valuations.
"Labor cannot manage money, and Victorians are paying the price.
"It's time for a fresh start - instead of hiking taxes and calling in debt collectors, a Liberal and Nationals Government will reduce taxes, ease cost-of-living pressures and restore economic confidence to our state."
