Labor’s latest pet tax hike bites Victorian families

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, has slammed the Allan Labor Government’s decision to double its pet tax on dogs and cats, calling it another cruel hit to families already struggling with rising costs.

From July next year, Labor will increase the levy from $4.51 to $9 per animal, a tax collected through local council registration fees and funnelled straight into State Government coffers.

Mr McCurdy said the move forces councils to act as Labor’s tax collectors while households continue to bear the brunt of Victoria’s financial mismanagement.

“Whether it’s the Emergency Services Tax or now a tax on our pets, Labor just can’t resist finding new ways to take more from hardworking Victorians,” Mr McCurdy said.

“With around 2.2 million registered pets across Victoria, this so-called ‘small increase’ will deliver Labor an extra $10 million every year, while state debt continues to climb by the hour.”

Mr McCurdy said families are already under pressure and don’t need another unnecessary cost added to their household bills.

“After a decade of waste and mismanagement, Labor is scrambling to raise revenue any way it can and now even our cats and dogs aren’t safe,” he said.

“The Allan Government should be focused on fixing its budget mess, cutting waste and easing cost-of-living pressures, not taxing our beloved family pets.”

Labor can't manage money, and Victorian pet owners are paying the price.