Allan government delays vote on new tax measures because Greens don’t support it

Labor’s vote on a suite of tax changes has stalled after failing to gain the support of the Victorian Greens. Here’s what it may mean if you own property across the state.

The Allan government delayed the vote on new tax measures. Picture: David Crosling

The Allan government delayed a vote on new tax measures after failing to secure the support of the Greens needed to push it through parliament.

A suite of tax changes passed the lower house last month, but the government was forced to abandon a planned vote on Thursday amid a lack of support.

Under the changes the Vacant Residential Land Tax would be applied across the state from 2025, impacting homes left vacant for more than six months.

It currently only impacts properties in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs with exemptions for those who live at the property at least four weeks a year.

The Greens have refused to back the changes without stronger housing reforms including the introduction of rental caps.

They also want the government to abandon plans to privatise public housing land.

Greens leader Samantha Ratnam said there were bigger issues at play. Picture: Ian Currie

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, ruled out supporting the new taxes without co-operation from Labor.

“Right now renters are facing unlimited rent hikes, people in regional Victoria are sleeping in tents and caravans, and our 125,000 state housing wait list is continuing to grow,” she said.

“The Greens won’t support an approach to housing that ignores thousands of people in financial distress, and will make the housing crisis worse.

“If Labor wants to pass any part of its housing statement in Parliament, they’ll need to work with the Greens on reforms that will work, like rent controls and commitment to build public housing.”

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said his government was getting on with it. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Treasurer Tim Pallas said the government was committed to housing reform.

“We’re getting on with delivering the Housing Statement because it will provide homes for Victorians who need them. It’s that simple,” he said.

“Debate on the tax bill is already underway and we’ll continue to engage with the Opposition and the crossbench on passage of the bill in the usual way.”