Labor’s ‘No new taxes’ promise in tatters as insurance charge hits regional Victorians

The Allan Labor Government has broken yet another promise to Victorians, introducing a new “capital management charge” through the state’s insurance agency, despite Treasurer Jaclyn Symes’ budget commitment just last month of “no new taxes or fees.”

 The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has slammed the move as a tax by stealth that will leave rural and regional Victorians footing the bill for Labor’s financial incompetence.

 “This charge is just another way to tax hardworking Victorians, particularly those in the regions, who are already being crushed by rising costs,” Mr McCurdy said. “When insurance premiums increase, it’s our local builders, schools, hospitals, rural doctors, and community services who will suffer.”

 The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA), which covers $240 billion in public assets and over 4000 organisations—including public hospitals, community groups, cemetery trusts and registered builders, has seen its financial viability drop below the minimum threshold.

The charge is aimed at restoring VMIA’s funding ratio, but the government has refused to reveal what it will cost or who exactly will pay, hiding behind “commercial in confidence.”

Mr McCurdy said regional Victoria would bear the brunt of Labor’s failures.

“In country communities already struggling with housing shortages and rising building costs, this charge will only make things worse,” he said. “It’s regional Victorians who end up paying for Melbourne’s mismanaged mega-projects like the Suburban Rail Loop.”

 “This is risky, it’s dishonest, and it’s yet another example of a government addicted to taxing its way out of trouble.”

 “The Nationals will continue to hold Labor accountable for every broken promise, and for the damage they’re doing to country Victoria.”

Labor can't manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price.