Since Greater Western Water's $100 million IT upgrade in May last year, customers have been hit with incorrect charges, bills sent to old addresses, or no bills at all - only to now face large, unexpected debts.
Shadow Minister for Water, Tim McCurdy, said the Allan Labor Government must ensure customers are treated fairly, particularly amid a cost-of-living crisis.
"This has been a major failure from the start," Mr McCurdy said.
"Families are now receiving bills worth thousands of dollars due to long-running errors linked to Labor's $100 million IT upgrade. Sensitive data was exposed, bills went to the wrong homes and families were left without accurate statements for months.
"Victorians shouldn't be expected to absorb the consequences of that."
Mr McCurdy said advice from the Water Ombudsman encourages customers to challenge severely delayed or inaccurate bills, noting that four-month back-billing protections still apply under customer contracts, direct debit agreements and national laws.
"No Victorian should feel obliged to pay a bill that may be incorrect or issued outside lawful timeframes."
"Labor must ensure customers are supported and offered manageable, interest-free payment options for as long as needed," Mr McCurdy said.
"Labor can't manage money and Victorians are paying the price."
