State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said she had heard from her constituents about issues with taxation mismanagement, including a Benalla resident who received a bill of nearly $800 for a property sold over 17 years ago.
“Whether it be sending bills to people who have sold properties, or bills being sent to children and the deceased, this pursuit of additional funds to cover up Labor’s irresponsible spending has been an embarrassment,” she said.
“Some of the land tax concerns being sent to us are truly shocking ... and have resulted in significant distrust and dissatisfaction from our community.”
Building on the growing frustration, Ms Cleeland pointed to the increased challenges farmers faced due to the recent changes in the exemption process for primary producers.
“Our farmers are under enough stress as it is without the added burden of piles of paperwork,” she said.
“The lack of clarity from this government about the land tax exemptions has left our farmers concerned about how they can prove to the SRO (State Revenue Office) that they are legitimate primary producers.
“This government needs to provide more information about the new criteria to ensure none of our primary producers are stuck with undeserved and cruel land tax bills.”
Ms Cleeland also emphasised that under the current Labor administration, property taxes had added pressure on regional communities still grappling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
“We already pay the highest property taxes in the nation,” she said.
“Now, families and businesses face even more pain, with Labor reducing the land tax threshold, hiking emergency service contributions and introducing a 7.5 per cent tax on short-stay accommodation.”
The ramifications are evident in the Euroa electorate.
In June 2024, former treasurer Tim Pallas stated in a parliamentary question on notice that 1763 landowners in Mitchell Shire, 437 in Strathbogie Shire and 429 in Benalla experienced increases in their land tax liabilities in 2024 compared to the previous year.
As regional Victorians navigate these challenges, there is a growing demand for clearer guidelines and a review of the current tax framework.
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