My question is for the minister representing the Treasurer. Only this week the New South Wales government announced a new toll rebate scheme that will help alleviate the rising cost of living. After spending more than $375 on tolls in a year, drivers will receive a 40 per cent cash rebate on further charges. This will be paid into their bank accounts. Drivers will be limited to a maximum of $750 in rebates per annum. Treasurer, will the Andrews government alleviate the cost of living by following the lead of New South Wales and provide some toll relief to Victorian drivers?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:02): I thank Mr Barton for his question. Obviously this is information that he has in respect to changes that have been made in New South Wales. I will refer that matter and the question to the Treasurer for his response.
Toll Rebates
No Description
Mr BARTON (Eastern Metropolitan) (12:03): Thank you, Minister. On our toll roads utes are considered light commercial vehicles and charged through the roof. A Range Rover, which is heavier and larger pays a car rate; an 11-seat people mover pays a car rate; yet a ute is hit with a commercial rate, which is almost double. We know that utes are popular vehicles among families, tradies and people who tow. Would the government consider advocating with Transurban for the tens of thousands of families who drive utes to bring us in line with the New South Wales tolling system?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:03): I thank Mr Barton for supplementary question, which will also be referred to the Treasurer for his response.
RESPONSE RECEIVED 21 JULY 22 Treasurer: Hon. Tim Pallas
According to the Australian Automobile Association, in the first quarter of 2022 the typical Sydney household paid far higher – 61 per cent and $1760 higher – average tolls annually than the typical Melbourne household.
Victoria’s toll roads are operated by private companies through partnership arrangements between the Victorian government and the private sector. This partnership requires the private sector companies to design, build, finance and maintain these toll roads. To compensate for their costs and risk, they are allowed to charge tolls as specified in the contract. Private toll road operators are typically able to charge higher tolls for light and heavy commercial vehicles in recognition of the commercial and taxation benefit associated with using toll roads for commercial purposes.
The Victorian Government has several transport-related measures to help ease cost of living pressure on Victorian households. These include low income, pensioner and veteran concessions on vehicle registration fees, and public transport and taxi concessions for Victorians with a disability.
