Hansard debates

Nick STAIKOS (Bentleigh) (17:05): I rise to make a brief contribution on the State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2023 amendments. I have always been a supporter of the vacant residential land tax because this government is a government that wants to boost housing supply. We have a comprehensive housing statement, and these taxation measures are part of a suite of measures to boost housing supply. And do you know what – the Treasurer has said in the past that we as a government hope we do not generate any revenue from these new tax measures. They are not about generating revenue, they are about releasing these vacant properties and this vacant land into the economy so that people can have a roof over their heads, because those on this side of the house understand Victorians who are struggling. We understand Victorians who are struggling with the housing crisis. The member for Sandringham was talking about struggling families and the tax burden on struggling families of this vacant residential land tax. I do not know any struggling families who own vacant residential properties. That was just an unbelievable argument.

These are sensible measures, and I have got to say that these changes are very measured and balanced. They also recognise that there are extenuating circumstances as to why in some cases there might be vacant residential land. Under existing vacant residential land tax exemptions new dwellings that remain unsold can get an exemption from the VRLT for up to two years, and to ensure that new residential developments are not discouraged, we are making changes so that owners of new dwellings can apply for a third year exempt from VRLT if it can be shown that the owner has made genuine attempts to sell at or below the price they expected to receive when they began construction. These are measured and balanced changes, and I have got to say the member for Sandringham moving amendments after this has already been debated in this house, debated in the other place, where amendments have been made, coming back here at 10 past 5 to move his own amendments – I mean, this matter is now settled. We are going to win this vote. That is all there is to it.