Thursday, 4 June 2026

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:24): (1345) My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, my constituent Joe Frazzetto made a significantly compassionate decision several years ago to provide his parents with rent-free accommodation in a unit he owns in Preston so that, in his words, they can live securely and with dignity. Mr Frazzetto’s mother is disabled. Despite this sacrifice, the State Revenue Office recently denied his application for a land tax exemption. Their reasoning was that he does not qualify as an immediate family member under the current legislation. Treasurer, how is it fair for your government to hit Joe and many others like him who are simply providing a roof over the head of a parent in need with yet another tax bill?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:25): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question. At the outset I thank the SRO for the important work they do. From time to time there are matters in relation to application of land tax and special considerations that can be brought to the attention of SRO. They have the ability to look at matters and see how the laws apply. Obviously they have to apply the laws, but there are instances – I have done it on several occasions – where there are issues, particularly relating to family members that have second houses for children with disabilities, for example, and the like. I always look very closely at these matters, and I have provided exemptions through my discretion as Treasurer to some of these matters where appropriate. It is difficult without the full details of the particular matter you are raising to provide direct commentary on that individual case. I will check with the office whether it has come to the attention of the office, and I am more than happy to have another look at it for you.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:26): That would be fantastic, and I am happy to provide that information. My supplementary is: will the Treasurer commit to extending immediate family member exemption to include children providing this kind of support for their parents with a disability?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (12:27): Thank you, Mr Mulholland, for your question Indeed I have received advocacy for a broad change in the manner that you have presented. It creates some difficulty in relation to broadening. It is very difficult to create laws that carve out that exact purpose. I have looked at it because I do sign a lot of exemptions for these types of cases. But I have asked for advice, and to change the law to provide for all of the ones that are genuine, you actually end up opening a broader category that is not intended for the purposes of tax. It is something I continue to look at, because there are genuine cases, absolutely, that I look at. But in terms of legislative change, we have not been able to get advice that would achieve the purpose as intended.