Victorian payroll tax cut would ease burden – MP

LIBERAL Democrats Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty is urging the Victorian Government to repeal payroll tax in northern Victoria to help communities recover Australia’s drought and bushfires.

Mr Quilty said the drought and the bushfires had been a huge double whammy for northern Victoria.

“Agriculture was already on its knees,” he said.

“Tourism was one of the few industries doing well, and now it has taken a hit — the timing of the fires could not be much worse.”

Mr Quilty joined Liberal Democrats colleague David Limbrick in asking for the government to repeal payroll tax.

“For businesses relying on visitors, it’s going to be a tough year and for farmers it’s going to be a huge task repairing fences,” he said.

“It is not right for the government to be an added burden to communities trying to get on their feet.”

Mr Quilty said many businesses had done their bit in providing immediate help for people in communities.

“I have heard many stories of local businesses helping bushfire victims.

“I urge the government to move quickly on this.”