Thursday, 15 May 2025

Taxation

James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:34): My question is to the Premier. This government has imposed 60 new or increased taxes. These include taxes on emergency services, GP payroll tax, land tax, schools tax and a death tax. Despite this the government has cut $2.4 billion from education, cut Victoria Police, cut road maintenance, cut fisheries officers and cut Parks Victoria – 60 new or increased taxes and cuts to core government services because Labor cannot manage money.

The SPEAKER: Member for Brighton, what is your question?

James NEWBURY: I will start from the start. It was obviously not theatrical enough.

The SPEAKER: I have the document in front of me. There is no question. I would ask you, without repeatedly questioning me, to ask the question, and not from the commencement of your question.

James NEWBURY: I would be delighted, Speaker. Are there 60 new or increased taxes and cuts to core government services because Labor cannot manage money?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:36): No.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The Minister for Consumer Affairs can leave the chamber for an hour and a half. Attorney-General, just because it is your birthday does not mean you will not get kicked out.

Minister for Consumer Affairs withdrew from chamber.

James NEWBURY (Brighton) (14:36): Premier, why will net debt continue to rise despite 60 new or increased taxes and cuts to core government services?

Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:37): Newsflash for the member for Brighton: the Treasurer is going to hand down the budget next Tuesday.

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: No, you are right. The Leader of the Opposition has said he will go line by line with his senior frontbenchers through the budget, and that is where we will see the commitment that can only be found under Labor governments, who continue to invest in frontline services and continue to invest in what matters most to working people and families. I know you are very excited. There will be a bit of pressure on you next Tuesday as you go line by line through the budget. We will be handing down a Labor budget that invests in those frontline services that Victorians rely on.