Thursday, 7 March 2024

 Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:57): (741) My question is to the Treasurer, and I ask: given the fierce campaign by the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, or SEMMA as I shall now refer to it, against the substantial increases in land tax affecting Dandenong manufacturers, will the minister provide assurances that he will revisit the temporary changes to land tax rates and thresholds introduced as part of the COVID debt repayment plan and significantly reduce land tax payments to ensure a fair and equitable tax regime that supports the growth and sustainability of manufacturing businesses in Victoria? Reports indicate that land valuations have doubled and tripled in the past year, leading to land tax bills increasing by as much 1000 per cent over five years. With SEMMA representing many of the 267,500 people employed in manufacturing in the south-east region, which is 30 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing output, land tax has a significant impact on local businesses, including job losses and hindered investment. Will the minister please also explain what measures the government is planning to take to alleviate the burden on manufacturers, particularly in the Dandenong area, the south-east region and Victoria?