Following a decade of waste and reckless spending under Labor, Victoria's net debt is growing by $1.7 million an hour, and is expected to reach a record $192.6 billion by 2028-29.
From today, as a direct consequence of their inability to manage money, the Allan Labor Government is increasing a laundry list of existing taxes and charges*, and introducing brand-new ones, including:
- Driving & Parking
- Congestion Levy up 73 per cent - CBD parking rising from $1,750 to $3,030 per space, inner suburbs from $1,240 to $2,150.
- Toll road increases continue across all vehicle categories.
- Public Transport
- Metro fares up 3.6 per cent.
- Weekend and holiday daily cap up 5.3 per cent.
- Property
- New Vacant Residential Land Tax on undeveloped land - 1 per cent of capital improved value, targeting 31 Melbourne council areas.
- Energy
- VEU Certificate fees up 87 per cent - from $2.33 to $4.35.
- VEU Energy Acquisition Statement fee up 55 per cent - from $3,122 to $4,829.
Since 2014, Labor has introduced or increased nearly 70 taxes and charges, contributing to a doubling of taxation revenue and Victoria having the highest taxes of any state in the nation.
Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer, Jess Wilson, said: "It's a new year but it's the same old cost of living pressures for Victorians under Labor.
"Labor's latest hikes to taxes and charges will push up the price of everyday necessities, like public transport and roads, which means higher cost of living pressures for Victorians at a time they can least afford it.
"With interest repayments on Labor's record debt set to hit more than $1 million an hour over coming years, it should be no surprise Labor continues to increase taxes and charges on Victorians.
"Labor cannot manage money and Victorians are paying the price."
*See Attachment for list of 1 January 2026 new and increased taxes and charges
