Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Western Victoria Region

Joe McCRACKEN (Western Victoria) (12:57): (1101) My constituency question is for the Treasurer, and it relates to the tax imposed on property owners which limits renting and housing affordability. A constituent of mine in Ballarat East feels like he has been hung out to dry by this government. My constituent has created a successful construction business and worked very hard to acquire properties. He notes that he has a good rapport with his tenants and that some of them are pensioners, which he offers a discounted rent to. He has previously increased their rents by no more than $10 a week but now might have to lift them by up to $40 a week just to cover costs. He notes that his mental health is deteriorating due to the stress and that he is even considering selling his properties as a result and perhaps moving interstate. So my question is this: why does Labor continue to make housing less affordable due to new and increased taxes, such as land tax, on my constituents?