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Victorians Call For Bracks To Stop Taxing Pensioners And Low Income FamiliesAlmost 11,000 Victorians have signed petitions urging the Bracks Government to remove the $78.50 increase charge on motor vehicle registrations for pensioners and low-income families. By Phillip Davis - 10th November 2004 - Back to News Member for Gippsland Province Philip Davis said a total of 36 petitions had been presented by Members of Parliament from both the country and metropolitan areas, including members from the Labor Party, Liberal Party, National Party and an Independent MP.
Many Gippsland constituents signed petitions through the office of Philip Davis.
He said with petitions tabled by an Independent and all three parties including members of the Government, it was clear that this new tax had a negative impact on all Victorian communities.
"Steve Bracks introduced this new tax on pensioners and low-income families on 30 June, slugging them an additional $78.50 each year for their car registration," Mr Davis said.
"This is a tax on those in our community who can least afford it – pensioners and families who are already struggling just to meet basic living needs and who simply do not have an additional $78.50.
"Rural and regional pensioners and low-income families have been hardest hit by this new tax.
"Public transport in rural and regional Victoria is almost non-existent and for those who cannot afford the increased cost of vehicle registration, there is very little alternative transport available.
"It is important that all community members are able to engage in our community, to do their shopping, their banking, attend appointments and social activities – this new tax threatens the independence and quality of life of some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged community members."
Mr Davis said the Bracks Government recently announced a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion.
"It is collecting millions of dollars from increases in fines, fees, land tax, stamp duty and other revenue sources, yet they have imposed another tax on our most vulnerable Victorians," he said.
"Almost 11,000 Victorians have stood up to the Bracks Government and told them that it is not acceptable to treat our pensioners and low-income families as easy targets for additional tax revenue to prop up their budget bottom line.
"Unfortunately Steve Bracks is refusing to listen."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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