Andrews breaks election commitment and deals a major blow to housing affordability

Shadow Minister for Planning, David Davis

In a mockery of its rate capping policy and in direct breach of repeated pre-election commitments not to increase taxes, fees and charges, the Andrews Labor Government has gazetted massive increases to the wide range on Planning and Subdivision Fees that can be charged by councils in relation to housing developments.  For example:

• The maximum fee for a planning permit application for a single dwelling was $490.  Now, if the estimated cost of development is more than $100,000 and not more than $500,000 the fee will be $1213.

• The fee for a low rise apartment development of 25 dwellings with a construction cost of $5.5 million has risen from $1,153 to $8,196.

• The fee for an apartment development of 100 dwellings with a construction cost of $30 million has risen from $8,064 to $24,151.

Quotes attributable to the Shadow Minister for Planning, David Davis MP:

These increases can only detrimentally affect housing affordability in Victoria.  This may well be the straw that broke the camel’s back for young Victorian families seeking to realise the dream of home ownership.

Daniel Andrews’ formal promise to “every single Victorian” made on the 28th November 2014, that he would not increase taxes or introduce any new taxes if he was elected Premier, was a blatant lie.

Younger Victorians in particular have been betrayed by Daniel Andrews’ massively increased taxes on new housing.

Media contact:  David Davis                  0419 000 212         david.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au