The Victorian Government has failed to address significant and long-standing industry and community concerns in its latest amendments to the congestion levy formally introduced today to Parliament.
Despite ongoing calls for meaningful reform from the Property Council of Australia, the legislation continues to entrench a framework that risks stalling Melbourne's CBD recovery, unfairly penalises workers and families amid a cost-of-living crisis, and places yet another obstacle in the path of urgently needed investment.
Property Council Victorian Executive Director Cath Evans welcomed the exemptions and concessions granted to major retail assets caught up in the increase, but the changes did not go far enough.
"Driving is not a luxury for many Victorians. It's a necessity, particularly for shift workers, families managing school drop-offs and pick-ups, and those who feel safer travelling by car outside of peak public transport hours.
"None of the details contained in today's final framework introduced to Parliament address any of these concerns.
"This is just yet another tax that will hinder Melbourne's recovery, hit the wallets of workers and families, and further damage confidence in Victoria's investment landscape.
"At the very least, Melbourne's congestion levy should mirror Sydney's model, where all retail is exempt and no charges are applied to unused car parks," she said.
"What's needed is a full exemption for retail so that businesses and shoppers aren't unfairly disadvantaged," she said.
Since the introduction of the levy in 2006, the rate has grown by 658 per cent, collecting a total of $1.477 billion in revenue for the State Government.
"This levy is unfair, unnecessary, and poorly timed. It burdens those who can least afford it and threatens to stall Melbourne's recovery," Ms Evans said.
