VACC Calls on Treasurer Lenders to Ease the 'Rego' Hit

MELBOURNE – April 30, 2010: VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is calling on State Treasurer, John Lenders, to help business owners and motorists spread their motor vehicle registration payments.

In its Victorian Pre-budget Submission 2010 – 2011, VACC has called on the Treasurer to use the State Budget on May 4 to permit VicRoads to collect six month ‘rego’ payments.

Currently, owners of cars, 4WD's, vans, trucks, motorcycles, prime movers and buses in Victoria have to pay one lump sum for their registration to cover a twelve month period. Concession card holders are offered a half yearly payment option.

Victoria is the only state in Australia that does not offer a flexible installment scheme to all motorists. All other States offer either 12 month or 6 month options with ACT and South Australia offering payments every quarter.

As well as the six month ‘rego’ payment option, VACC has listed 16 other recommendations in its Victorian Pre-Budget submission.

Among the recommendations are

Reduce the impact of land tax on small business;

Reduce motor vehicle stamp duty;

Introduce a stamp duty incentive for car buyers to stimulate vehicle sales;

Reduce payroll tax;

Broaden the base for collection of the Fire Services Levy;

Cut GST collected on petrol excise.

The recommendations are designed to help and assist the retail automotive industry, small business owners and motorists.

“Small business is the engine room for the local and national economy. The State Budget is an opportunity for Treasurer Lenders to ensure this engine runs smoothly and efficiently. These are still tough times for small business owners, and considering the after affects of the global financial crisis, the Victorian Government should strive to do whatever it can to support and promote small business,” Mr Purchase said.