Treasurer Tim Pallas’ final horror budget is just eight weeks away with many Victorians fearing new taxes and increases to existing tax lines.
Victorians already pay the highest taxes in the country and reports today reveal they also pay more in fines than any other Australian, with the Government expecting to collect nearly $1 billion in fines revenue this year – predominantly from traffic infringements.
Securing the safety of all Victorians on our roads should be a key priority for Government, however fining Victorians more is not making them or our roads safer.
Transport Accident Commission data reveals that 295 people lost their lives on Victorian roads in 2023, up 22.4 per cent on the year before.
Victorian’s lives are at most risk on regional roads and they are crumbling. Department of Transport figures show 480 roads in regional Victoria that are subject to speed reductions because the road surface is so poor.
Shadow Treasurer, Brad Rowswell, said: “Victoria is already the debt and tax capital of the nation and today we are now also the fines capital.
“Victorians are not paying the highest fines in the country because Jacinta Allan’s Government prioritises their safety, they are paying for this Government’s financial recklessness and economic mismanagement.
“I again urge the Labor Government to not introduce any new or increased taxes at this upcoming state budget.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O’Brien, said: “Despite raking in record tax and fines revenue, Labor was slashing road safety and road funding.
“In the past two budgets, Labor slashed $230 million from TAC road safety programs and it’s cut the road maintenance budget by 45 per cent since 2020.
“The Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
