4 October 2023
The Greens have renewed their calls for the Malinauskas Government to introduce taxes on vacant and undeveloped properties as the Victorian Labor Government moves to expand its own vacant property taxes.
Victoria’s Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced that the existing state tax on Melbourne homes left vacant for more than six months will be expanded statewide, while empty lots in established suburbs will attract higher land tax bills if not developed after five years.
“We have people sleeping on the street, in tents, cars and caravans, yet there are thousands of vacant homes in SA. This is an absurd situation. The Government must follow the example of its Labor counterparts in Victoria and introduce similar taxes here, with the money raised directed towards social housing”, said Greens Housing Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“Peter Malinauskas’ ‘Granny Flat Plan’ is a nice idea, but we need much bolder action to tackle the housing crisis, boost supply and stop land banking.”
The Greens are calling for a range of measures to tackle the deepening rental crisis, including boosting the investment in public housing, rent capping, and regulating Airbnb and other short stay accommodation.