Thursday, 29 May 2025

Congestion levy

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:14): (936) My question is again to the Treasurer. Treasurer, I refer to the government’s decision, incorporated in the budget but not yet brought forward in a bill, to expand the geography of and increase the rate of the congestion levy. This will hit whole new sections of territories and new suburbs. It will raise millions. I ask, Treasurer, how a big nasty new tax slapped on Chapel Street in South Yarra will help revitalise this street, which has become run-down in recent years under your government.

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:15): I thank Mr Davis for his question, which is a matter for the Treasurer. As was announced at the budget update by my predecessor, it is our intention to make changes to the congestion levy. That is about ensuring that similar LGAs that are currently applicable would also be brought into the scheme. I am on the public record that it is not in the tax bill that has been considered by the Legislative Assembly because I want to continue to engage with industry. I have had Parking Australia in, I have had shopping centre representatives in and I have had local councils in in relation to the expansion of the levy. It is an existing levy; it has existed for some time. There is the opportunity to have a conversation with local councils about what they think of and need for the amenity in relation to the reduced congestion in their LGAs, because that is what this is about. It is all about ensuring that you are promoting more people onto public transport and less people into cars. But in relation to its applicability and how the changes are going to affect the new areas that are brought in and some of the other changes, I am in the middle of constructive discussions with interested parties right now.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:16): Well, let me give you some input here: Chapel Street has become a poor shadow of its former vibrant self, with crime, drug taking and empty shops as dominant features. I therefore ask: how much will your government slap traders and residents in the City of Stonnington for through this savage new congestion tax? How much will they pay?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:17): Mr Davis, I think I provided you with quite a bit of detail in my answer to your initial question. In relation to initiatives, investment and business support, the way I look at it is not isolated to government revenue but also in relation to support and how we can help with some of the issues that they are interested in. There are a number of broad-ranging conversations that you can have with impacted councils – for instance, recent conversations that we have been having with the City of Melbourne in financially supporting CCTV cameras and the like. So there is an opportunity to have broader conversations about amenity within the communities and the LGAs that are brought into the congestion levy zone.

David Davis: On a point of order, President, whilst the minister has talked at length on the matter, she has not answered the central question of how much will be collected in the City of Stonnington.

The PRESIDENT: Further to the point of order.

Jaclyn SYMES: Mr Davis, I would put to you that Carlton and Fitzroy are currently covered by the levy, so extending it to like suburbs has an equity element. In relation to your specific question, I do not have that on me, but I will endeavour to give it to you. But just because it is the subject of consultation, I will commit to giving it to you when I have it.