Minister for Jobs and Industry, Natalie Hutchins, has repeatedly failed to advocate for Victorian manufacturing businesses suffering from excessive and increasing state taxes, including land tax and payroll tax, imposed by the Allan Labor Government.
When asked by the Shadow Minister for Manufacturing, Bridget Vallence, to provide details of what, if any, advocacy or representations the Minister made to the Treasurer and her cabinet colleagues on the impacts of land tax or payroll tax – in response yesterday, she failed to do so.
The Minister is overlooking significant issues identified by industry associations, such as the South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA), and its members on serious issues including the skills shortages faced by industry, and the need for tax reform and more tailored support for Victorian small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.
The Minister and the Allan Labor Government have failed to have an adequate focus on Victorian manufacturers and the work they do employing Victorians and contributing to the economy.
This comes after calls by SEMMA and manufacturers for the Allan Labor Government to initiate an inquiry into the process of calculating land tax and land valuations for Victorian manufacturers after enormous increases of up to 300 per cent over the past two years that is resulting in many businesses fleeing the state.
Shadow Minister for Industry and Manufacturing, Bridget Vallence, said: “The manufacturing industry has been very clear with Minister Hutchins and the Allan Labor Government – it’s time for an inquiry into how land tax is calculated for Victorian manufacturing sites, or we risk more businesses fleeing the state and more job losses.
“It’s time for the Minister to step up, stop playing word games, and actually advocate for Victorian industry and the manufacturing sector.
“Labor cannot manage money and Victorian manufacturers are paying the price though higher taxes.”
