Property Council congratulates Victorian Labor

Property Council congratulates Victorian LaborThe Property Council has congratulated the Victorian Labor Party on their historic election victory.Property Council Victorian Executive Director, Jennifer Cunich said the election result was unequivocal and the property industry looked forward to working with the new Government on moving Victoria forward.”The Victorian property industry faces many complicated challenges over the years ahead,” said Ms Cunich. We encourage the State’s opposition parties to work with the new Government on making Victoria the best state to invest, manage and own property.”The Property Council has taken special note of Mr Andrews’ election debate commitment to not increase or introduce new taxes this term.”At present, the property and construction industry contributes $15.8 billion or 24 cents in every $1 of state revenue raised. This is clearly a disproportionate burden on an industry responsible for 8.9 per cent of Victorian GSP.”Any move to wind back the new Government’s tax freeze promise would represent a fundamental breach of trust with the Victorian people. The Property Council intends to make sure the Andrews’ Government honours this promise.”The Property Council urges caution in regard to how the new Government manages the East-West Link project contract. Ripping up a signed contract will have serious ramifications for Victoria’s international investment reputation and we urge the Government to tread carefully.”The top priorities for the new Andrews’ Government include:confirming as quickly as possible the status of the East-West Link project;negotiating a new use for Victoria’s share of Commonwealth funding for the East-West Link project;developing and commencing a new long term pipeline of major infrastructure projects;designing an effective framework for their proposed Infrastructure Victoria governance body;quickly reviewing and implementing commercial licensing reform;managing Victoria’s above trend population growth by investing in arterial roads in the growth areas;tackling Victoria’s worsening congestion by eliminating 20 level crossings before 2019;creating a new Minister for Retirement Living to manage investment, tax obligations and Aged Care Rule reform;implementing Plan Melbourne;maintaining a freeze on Victoria’s tax regime, including no new taxes or increases;developing a long term strategy for easing the State’s property tax dependency;proactively tackling Victoria’s worsening unemployment rate; andtransparently assessing and confirming the location of Victoria’ next deep water port.”The Property Council strongly urges the incoming Government to reconsider its plans for introducing inclusionary zoning.”Inclusionary zoning is a form of property taxation by stealth which undermines housing affordability. We will be seeking a meeting with the new Minister to discuss our concerns as soon as possible.”The Property Council would like to thank the outgoing Napthine Government for their service to the State of Victoria.”Media contact:Asher Judah, Deputy Executive Director – 0499 841 715www.vicvotes2014.com.au