RATEGATE. Every homeowner in the Mildura electorate will understand the relevance of this catchphrase for my new campaign.
The cost of our rates truly is a scandal.
That’s why I’ve launched the RateGate campaign to not only highlight the inequities of the current rates’ system which see rural and regional ratepayers – especially in my electorate – pay up to twice to three times the rates paid by their Melbourne counterparts.
We need the Victorian Government to get serious about regional rate reform.
A petition has been launched at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/council/petitions/electronic-petitions/view-e-petitions/details/12/303 which will give ratepayers a chance to have their say on this issue.
Strength in numbers is the only way to ensure the Victorian Government listens and acts on this long-standing issue.
To help advise and guide the RateGate campaign, I have set up a Regional Stakeholder Engagement Team (ReSET) which includes prominent and respected members of councils, the business community and the farming sector.
Their voices will add weight and authority to the cause.
One of those voices will be that of Merv Whelan, a highly respected and sought-after expert in the field of financial sustainability of rural and regional councils.
Merv’s resume is extensive and includes 20 years as a Council CEO and 12 years as an Inspector of Municipal Administration.
In 2021, with Merv’s generous assistance, I will be leading a delegation to Spring Street to meet with government officials and present our petition.
Reason Coalition leader Fiona Patten and I met with Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane this week.
It was extremely positive and there’s no doubt Mr Leane is well aware of the issues and is keen on making meaningful change.
He said the Premier was keen for this too, which is very promising.
The solutions are not a mystery. It is well established what is needed to level the playing field between the city and the regions. All that is needed is the political will to do it.
Regional rate reform will be a key issue for the Reason Coalition in 2021 and I’d urge everyone to get involved to ensure our voices continue to be heard in Spring Street.
