Brumby a tax addict – MP

FEES, fines and registrations increased by three per cent in Casey from 1 July, according to South Eastern Metropolitan MP Inga Peulich.
She said it was the second consecutive year Casey residents had been hit with increased fees because of the Brumby State Government treasurer John Lenders.
“The annual increase of fees, introduced by the Bracks Labor Government, is at the treasurer’s discretion,” she said.
“This year he has decided to increase fees by three per cent, which is well above the two per cent CPI that was forecast in the government’s 2009-10 State Budget.”
Ms Peulich said the increase coincided with the Victorian school holidays, meaning parents planning special outings with their children could expect to pay more for entry to state-owned venues such as parks, zoos, museums and galleries.
She said the Brumby Government had become addicted to taxing and charging Casey families.
Some of the fees, fines and registrations subject to the increase are motor vehicle and motorcycle registrations, boating, fishing and shooting licences, cat and dog registrations, court fees and charges, registration of births, registering and renewal of business names, builder registrations, traffic offences, and speeding fines.
Ms Puelich said increased water bills would also hit Casey residents, making the area an expensive place to live.
“Annual household water bills are set to rise by up to $150, with the cost of water and waste-water services increasing by more than 20 per cent in some areas from 1 July,” she said.
“John Brumby should change his mantra from: ‘Victoria is a great place to live, work and raise a family’ to ‘Victoria is a more expensive place to live, work and raise a family’.”